Slot machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a slot machine that incorporates improvements regarding the notification of unrecommended operating methods and related technical matters. [Solution] When a specific condition is met in the AT preparation state, it is possible to perform a discouragement navigation that notifies the player that the second operation mode is not recommended among the first and second operation modes. If a stop operation is performed in the first operation mode after the discouragement navigation is performed, the game is controlled to the AT1 state, and if a stop operation is performed in the second operation mode, the game is controlled to the AT preparation state. The AT preparation state includes AT preparation state 1 until the first discouragement navigation is performed, and AT preparation state 2 after the discouragement navigation is performed and the second operation mode is operated, until another discouragement navigation is performed. The expected value (average value) of the number of medals used in AT preparation state 2 until another discouragement navigation is performed is smaller than the number of medals awarded by the appearance of the main character that gives the most medals in AT preparation state 2.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of generating a predetermined winning in accordance with a display result of a variable display section that can variably display a plurality of types of identifiable identification information. [[Background Art]]

[0002] As this type of slot machine, there has been known a slot machine in which, when an internal lottery results in one outcome in a standby state, transitioning to an advantageous state when operated in a first operation mode, maintaining the standby state when operated in a second operation mode, and notifying that the second operation mode is a non-recommended operation mode when the internal lottery results in the one outcome in the standby state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2024-168525 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] As described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement regarding slot machines that notify of non-recommended operation modes.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine improved in notification of non-recommended operation modes and related technical matters. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] The slot machine according to claim 1: comprises a variable display section capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable, in a slot machine that derives a display result by stopping the variable display of the variable display section, and can generate a winning in accordance with the display result: A means for deriving the display result, which the player operates to derive the result, An operation mode information notification means capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the derivation operation means, Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification when a specific condition is met in a specific state, which notifies that at least the second operation mode out of the first and second operation modes is an operation mode that is not recommended. In the aforementioned specific state, the non-recommendation notification is made, and the derivation operation means is controlled to a favorable state when operated in the first operation mode. If the aforementioned specific state is affected by the notification of non-recommendation, and the derivation operation means is operated in the second operation mode, the control continues to the aforementioned specific state. The specified state includes a first specified state from the start of the specified state until the first discouragement notification is given, and a second specified state from the time the discouragement notification is given and the operation is performed in the second operating mode until the discouragement notification is given again. In the second specific state, the expected value of the game value used until the discouragement notification is issued again is less than the amount of game value granted by the specific awarding prize that grants the most game value among the possible winning combinations in the second specific state. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification is given in a specific state, and the system is controlled to a favorable state when the derivation operation means is operated in a first operation mode, while the system continues to be controlled to a specific state when the derivation operation means is operated in a second operation mode, the discouragement notification given in the specific state indicates that the second operation mode is not recommended, thereby encouraging the operation of the derivation operation means in the first operation mode, which controls the system to a favorable state. Further, among the specific states, in the second specific state in which a non-recommendation notification is performed, after an operation is performed in the second operation mode, and until a non-recommendation notification is performed again, the expected value of gaming value used until the non-recommendation notification is performed again is smaller than the number of gaming values granted by the occurrence of a specific granted winning that is accompanied by granting the largest amount of gaming value among all winnable outcomes in the second specific state. Therefore, if the specific granted winning occurs even once in the second specific state, it is possible to maintain the gaming value using the granted gaming value until the non-recommendation notification is performed again, thereby suppressing the loss of the player when the player operates in the second operation mode which is not recommended by the non-recommendation notification.

[0007] It should be noted that the present invention may only include the invention-specifying matters described in the claims of the present invention, and may also include configurations other than the invention-specifying matters together with the invention-specifying matters described in the claims of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the card unit and the slot machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and the slot machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the combinations that are objects of internal lottery in the slot machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the execution modes of navigation notification and navigation effect. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing transitions of advantageous section states in a gaming section and an advantageous section. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the advantageous section state. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing AT lottery probabilities. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a game start command that the main control unit transmits to the effect control unit when the start switch is operated. [Figure 9]It shows a game end command that the main control unit transmits to the performance control unit at the third stop. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the types of commands that the main control unit transmits to the medal number control unit. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the types of commands that the medal number control unit transmits to the main control unit. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of communication between the main control unit and the medal number control unit. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining communication of a medal number control side information command in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the flow of communication between the main control unit and the medal number control unit after power-on. [Figure 15] It is a diagram explaining bet amount setting operation and payout operation. [Figure 16] It is a diagram explaining display control of the number of payout medals. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a memory area used by the main control unit. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an in-capacity RAM area used by the main control unit. [Figure 19] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the initial setting process (main control) performed by the main control unit. [Figure 20] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the out-of-capacity RAM initialization process performed by the main control unit. [Figure 21] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the setting change process performed by the main control unit. [Figure 22] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the main process (main control) performed by the main control unit. [Figure 23] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the timer interrupt process (main control) performed by the main control unit. [Figure 24] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the initial setting process (medal number control) performed by the medal number control unit. [Figure 25] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the main process (medal number control) performed by the medal number control unit. [Figure 26]This diagram illustrates the control process of the timer interrupt processing (medal count control) performed by the medal count control unit. [Figure 27] This diagram shows the process from CZ1 state to AT1 state. [Figure 28] This diagram illustrates the differences between the normal state, AT standby state 1, and AT standby state 2. [Figure 29] This diagram shows the control status from the CZ1 state to the AT1 state. [Figure 30] This diagram shows the screen transitions from CZ1 state to AT1 state. [Figure 31] This diagram shows the screen transitions from CZ1 state to AT1 state. [Figure 32] This diagram explains the differences between button press order navigation, rare role navigation, target navigation, non-recommended navigation, and normal gameplay where no navigation is provided. [Figure 33] This diagram shows the control status of the button-press navigation system. [Figure 34] This diagram shows the control status of the rare role navigation. [Figure 35] This diagram shows the control status of the "Aim Navi" system. [Figure 36] This diagram shows the control status of the non-recommended navigation system. [Figure 37] This diagram shows the screen transitions when the button press order navigation is executed. [Figure 38] This diagram shows the screen transitions when a rare role navigation is executed. [Figure 39] This diagram shows the screen transitions when the "Aim Navi" function is running. [Figure 40] This diagram shows the screen transitions when the deprecated navigation is executed. [Figure 41] This diagram shows the screen transitions during normal operation or when navigation is not enabled. [Figure 42] This diagram shows a modified example of the control status from the CZ1 state to the AT1 state. [Figure 43] This diagram shows the control status as a modified example where the AT2 state is controlled to the AT standby state. [Figure 44]This diagram shows the screen transitions of a modified example where the AT2 state is controlled to the AT standby state. [Figure 45] This flowchart shows the control details of the process for identifying the first stop operation in the reel stop control process. [Figure 46] This diagram shows the execution status and screen transitions of the simulated game. [Figure 47] This diagram shows the reel control status during normal gameplay. [Figure 48] This diagram shows the reel control status in a simulated game. [Figure 49] This diagram shows the configuration of a reel motor. [Figure 50] This figure shows the change in the excitation state during reel rotation. [Figure 51] This diagram shows the change in the excitation state when the reels stop during normal gameplay. [Figure 52] This figure shows the change in the excitation state when the reels stop during a simulated game. [Figure 53] This diagram shows the configuration of the excitation components. [Figure 54] This is a front view showing the card unit and slot machine in Example 2. [Figure 55] This is a perspective view showing the slot machine in Example 2 as seen from a diagonal front angle. [Figure 56] This is a perspective view showing the slot machine in Example 2 from a diagonal rearward angle. [Figure 57] This is a right side view showing the slot machine in Example 2. [Figure 58] This is a plan view showing the slot machine in Example 2. [Figure 59] This is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 58. [Figure 60] Figure 59 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part. [Figure 61] This is a schematic side view showing a player playing a slot machine installed on a gaming island. [Figure 62] Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 63] This diagram shows the internal structure of the stop switch and the effect switch in the control panel. [Figure 64] This diagram shows the internal structure of the MAXBET switch and the start switch in the control panel. [Figure 65] This is a plan view showing the arrangement of various operation switches on the control panel. [Figure 66] Figure 65 is a schematic cross-sectional view of CC. [Figure 67] (A) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of the stop switch's operating section, (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FF in (A), and (C) is a diagram showing the arrangement of each operating section. [Figure 68] Figure 65 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the DD. [Figure 69] Figure 65 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the EE. [Figure 70] This is a plan view illustrating the methods for starting and stopping the game. [Figure 71] This is a front view illustrating the methods for starting and stopping the game. [Figure 72] (A) is a diagram showing the stopping operation method of the stop switch, and (B) is a diagram showing other stopping operation methods of the stop switch. [Figure 73] This is a plan view illustrating the methods for starting and stopping the game. [Figure 74] (A) is a perspective view showing a smartphone placed on the rear side of the protruding part of the control panel, and (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view. [Figure 75] (A) is a perspective view showing a smartphone supported by a support near the protrusion on the control panel, and (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the protrusion as a modified example. [Figure 76] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the front and rear side lamp sections. [Figure 77] Figures (A) to (E) show the detection area of ​​the touch sensor and examples of the effects that are performed in response to detection. [Figure 78](A) is a schematic side view showing a player playing on a conventional slot machine installed on a gaming island, and (B) and (C) are schematic side views showing a player playing on a slot machine according to Example 2. [Figure 79] (A) is a side view showing the storage platform below the control panel, and (B) is a top view. [Figure 80] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the present invention: a bed start switch. [Figure 81] This is a schematic side view showing a player playing a slot machine, which is a modified example of Embodiment 2, installed on a gaming island. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments for implementing the slot machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

[0010] [Form 1] (Form 1-1) The slot machine of type 1 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). The aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) includes a first specific state (AT preparation state 1) from the start of the specific state (AT preparation state) until the first discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given, and a second specific state (AT preparation state 2) from the time the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given and the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) is performed until the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given again. In the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), the expected value of game value (medals) used until the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) is given again is less than the number of game value (medals) given by the occurrence of the specific awarding award (main character) that gives the most game value (medals) among the possible awards that can occur in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), which occurs after a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the second operation method (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) is used, and before another non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, the expected value of game value (medals) used until the next non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is less than the number of game value (medals) given by the occurrence of a specific awarding win (main character) that gives the most game value (medals) among the possible wins in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2). Therefore, if a specific awarding win (main character) occurs even once in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), it becomes possible to maintain the game value (medals) using the awarded game value (medals) until another non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, thereby suppressing the loss of the player if they operate using the second operation method (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) which is not recommended by the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation).

[0011] (Form 1-2) In a slot machine of form 1, It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, When the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is one of several types of specific results (push-order roles), the specific award (main prize) can be generated when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner corresponding to the type of specific result (push-order role). The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) can perform a specific operation notification (push order navigation) that notifies the operation mode corresponding to the type of specific result (push order role) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the specific state (AT preparation state) becomes one of the specific results (push order role) of the specified state (push order role). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is one of the specific results (push order role), a specific operation notification (push order navigation) is given, making it easy to generate a specific awarded prize (main role). Therefore, the loss of the player who operates in a second operation mode that is not recommended (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) due to the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) can be suppressed.

[0012] (Form 1-3) In a slot machine of form 1, The operation modes corresponding to the type of specified result (press order combination) are all the first operation modes (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), The aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence combination) is that the result of the prior determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specified results (button sequence combinations), The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) performs the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) at a first rate and the aforementioned specific operation notification (navigation navigation) at a second rate when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is one of the specific results (push order role). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specific results (push order role), and the specific condition (winning the push order role) is met, there are two possibilities: either a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, or a specific operation notification (push order navigation) is given. Since the specific operation notification (push order navigation) makes it possible to generate a specific awarded prize (main role), the loss to the player who operates in a second operation mode that is not recommended (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) due to the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) can be suppressed.

[0013] (Form 1-4) In a slot machine of form 1, The operation modes corresponding to the type of specified result (press order combination) are all the first operation modes (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), The aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence combination) is that the result of the prior determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specified results (button sequence combinations), The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) will always perform the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) is any type of specific result (push order role). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, after the start of a specific state (AT preparation state), if the result of the initial pre-determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specific results (sequence of pushes), and the specific condition (winning of a sequence of pushes) is met, a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) is always given, and the player is prompted to operate in the first operation mode (stopping order with the middle or right reel as the first stop) which starts the advantageous state (AT1 state). Therefore, if the player has not suffered any loss due to the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) which is not recommended by the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), the game can be quickly controlled to enter the advantageous state (AT1 state).

[0014] (Form 1-5) In a slot machine of form 1, The operation modes corresponding to the type of specified result (press order combination) are all the first operation modes (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), The aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence combination) is that the result of the prior determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specified results (button sequence combinations), The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) may not provide either the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) or the specific operation notification (push order navigation) if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the specific state (AT preparation state) is any type of specific result (push order role). It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents the specific state (AT preparation state) from becoming excessively advantageous in a configuration where, when a specific condition (winning a specific button combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), the player continues to operate in a second, unrecommended operation mode (stopping the left reel first).

[0015] (Form 1-6) In a slot machine of form 1, The second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is a state in which the rate of increase or decrease of the game value (medals) (medal payout rate) is higher than that of the normal state, which is the state in which the player spends the most time. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) has a higher rate of increase or decrease in game value (medals) (medal payout rate) than the normal state, thus suppressing the player's losses if they operate in a second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) which is not recommended by the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation).

[0016] (Form 1-7) In a slot machine of form 1, The second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is a state in which the rate of increase or decrease of the game value (medals) (medal payout rate) does not exceed 1 (100%). It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents the specific state (AT preparation state) from becoming excessively advantageous in a configuration where, when a specific condition (winning a specific button combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), the player continues to operate in a second, unrecommended operation mode (stopping the left reel first).

[0017] [Form 2] (Form 2-1) The slot machine of type 2 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). The aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) includes a first specific state (AT preparation state 1) from the start of the specific state (AT preparation state) until the first discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given, and a second specific state (AT preparation state 2) from the time the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given and the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) is performed until the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given again. The second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is less favorable than the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) in terms of granting benefits (points) related to the favorable state (AT1 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, among the specific states (AT preparation states), the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), which occurs after a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the second operation pattern (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) is followed by another non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation), is less advantageous in terms of granting benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) than the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) from the start of the specific state (AT preparation state) until the first non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given. Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, it is possible to prevent intentionally operating in a non-recommended manner to prolong the specific state (AT preparation state) and gain an advantage.

[0018] (Form 2-2) In a slot machine of type 2, It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, When the result of the aforementioned pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), it is possible to make a decision (point-up lottery) on whether or not to grant the benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state). The probability of being granted a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) is the predetermined result (predetermined role) is lower than the probability of being granted a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is the predetermined result (predetermined role). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), the probability of being granted a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) becomes a predetermined result (predetermined role) is lower than in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, it is possible to prevent gaining an advantage by intentionally operating in a non-recommended manner to prolong the specific state (AT preparation state).

[0019] (Form 2-3) In a slot machine of type 2, It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, When the result of the aforementioned pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), it is possible to make a decision (point-up lottery) on whether or not to grant the benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state). In the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the predetermined result (predetermined role), a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) can be awarded. In the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the predetermined result (predetermined role), a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) will not be awarded. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) may be granted. However, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) is not granted. Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, it is possible to prevent gaining an advantage by intentionally operating in a non-recommended manner to prolong the specific state (AT preparation state).

[0020] (Form 2-4) In a slot machine of type 2, In the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the predetermined result (predetermined role), it is possible to derive a predetermined display result (combination of rare role symbols). In the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the predetermined result (predetermined role), the predetermined display result (combination of rare role symbols) is not derived, or the predetermined display result (combination of rare role symbols) is less likely to be derived than in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), a predetermined display result (combination of rare role symbols) is derived, suggesting the possibility that a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) has been granted. On the other hand, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), it is less likely than in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) that a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) will be granted. In this state, even if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), a predetermined display result (combination of rare role symbols) is not derived, or it is less likely that a predetermined display result (combination of rare role symbols) will be derived. This suppresses the feeling of wasted draws when a predetermined result (predetermined role) occurs in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2).

[0021] (Form 2-5) In a slot machine of type 2, In the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the predetermined result (predetermined role), a predetermined performance (point-up suggestion performance) can be executed. In the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the predetermined result (predetermined role), the predetermined performance (point-up suggestion performance) is not executed, or the predetermined performance (point-up suggestion performance) is less likely to be executed than in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), a predetermined performance (point-up suggestion performance) is executed, suggesting the possibility that a benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) has been granted. On the other hand, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), where the benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) is less likely to be granted than in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), the predetermined performance (point-up suggestion performance) is not executed, or is less likely to be executed, thereby suppressing the feeling of wasted spins when the predetermined result (predetermined role) is obtained in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2).

[0022] (Form 2-6) In a slot machine of type 2, It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, In the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), whether the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a first predetermined result (first predetermined role) or a second predetermined result (second predetermined role), a decision is made (point-up lottery) as to whether or not to grant the benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state). In the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the first predetermined result (first predetermined role), or if it is the second predetermined result (second predetermined role), a decision (point-up lottery) is made to determine whether or not to grant the benefit (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), even if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the first predetermined result (first predetermined role), a decision is made (point-up lottery) on whether or not to grant benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state). On the other hand, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), a decision is made (point-up lottery) on whether or not to grant benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) only if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is the second predetermined result (second predetermined role) out of the first predetermined result (first predetermined role) and the second predetermined result (second predetermined role). As a result, the opportunity to grant benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) is limited, which prevents players from gaining an advantage by intentionally operating in an unrecommended manner to prolong the specific state (AT preparation state) when an unrecommended notification (unrecommended navigation) is given.

[0023] (Form 2-7) In a slot machine of type 2, When a benefit (point) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) is granted in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), the advantage of the granted benefit (point) is lower, or the advantage of the granted benefit (point) is more likely to be lower, than when a benefit (point) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) is granted in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when a benefit (point) related to an advantageous state (AT1 state) is granted in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), the advantage of the granted benefit (point) is lower, or the advantage of the granted benefit (point) is more likely to be lower, than when a benefit (point) related to an advantageous state (AT1 state) is granted in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, it is possible to prevent the player from gaining an advantage by intentionally operating in a non-recommended manner to prolong the specific state (AT preparation state).

[0024] (Form 2-8) In a slot machine of type 2, The probability of receiving the benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is lower than the probability of receiving the benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the probability of receiving benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is lower than the probability of receiving benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, it is possible to prevent players from gaining an advantage by intentionally operating in a non-recommended manner to prolong the specific state (AT preparation state).

[0025] (Form 2-9) In a slot machine of type 2, In the aforementioned first specific state (AT preparation state 1), benefits (points) related to the aforementioned advantageous state (AT1 state) may be granted. In the aforementioned second specific state (AT preparation state 2), no benefits (points) related to the aforementioned advantageous state (AT1 state) are granted. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) may be granted, whereas in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), benefits (points) related to the advantageous state (AT1 state) are not granted in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1). Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, it is possible to prevent gaining an advantage by intentionally operating in a non-recommended manner to prolong the specific state (AT preparation state).

[0026] [Form 3] (Form 3-1) The slot machine of type 3 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A pre-determining method (internal lottery) for determining which winners are allowed to win, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). When the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is one of several types of specific results (push-order roles), it is possible to generate a specific award (main prize) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner corresponding to the type of specific result (push-order role). The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) is capable of providing specific operation notification (push order navigation) that notifies the operation mode corresponding to the type of specific result (push order role) when the determination result of the prior determination means (internal lottery) becomes one of the types of specific results (push order role), If the aforementioned specific operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the notified operation mode, a non-recommended operation response effect (press order error notification) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation mode is executed. On the other hand, if the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation response effect (press order error notification) is not executed. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, if a specific operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the notified operation manner, a non-recommended operation response effect (press order error notification) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation manner will be executed. On the other hand, if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation response effect (press order error notification) will not be executed. This suggests that even if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the player operates in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), which is not recommended, there will be no significant disadvantage, and the game will not unnecessarily stir up anxiety in the player.

[0027] (Form 3-2) In a slot machine of type 3, Even if the specified operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the notified operation mode, or if the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the recommended operation performance corresponding to the operation in the recommended operation mode will be executed. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easier to recognize that even if you operate in the recommended manner (stop order with the left reel first) when a specific operation notification (press order navigation) or a discouraged operation notification (discouraged operation navigation) is given, the recommended operation animation will be executed. On the other hand, if a specific operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the notified operation manner, a discouraged operation response animation (press order error notification) corresponding to the operation being performed in an unrecommended manner will be executed. On the other hand, if a discouraged operation notification (discouraged operation navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the discouraged operation response animation (press order error notification) will not be executed.

[0028] (Form 3-3) In a slot machine of type 3, Game control means (main control unit 161) that controls the game, A performance control means (performance control unit 151) that controls the performance, Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) includes a game-side notification means (navigation notification) that provides notification regarding the operation mode of the output operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) under the control of the game control means (main control unit 161), The game control means (main control unit 161) controls the game-side notification means (navigation notification) to perform the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) and the specific operation notification (push order navigation), and also controls the notification to end at the same timing if the specific operation notification (push order navigation) is performed and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the notified operation mode, or if the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is performed and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop). The aforementioned performance control means (performance control unit 151) executes the non-recommended operation response performance (press order error notification) when the specific operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the notified operation manner. On the other hand, when the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation response performance (press order error notification) is not executed. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the game-side notification means (navigation notification) controlled by the game control means (main control unit 161) provides specific operation notification (push order navigation), and even if the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the notified operation mode, a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is also provided, and even if the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), control is performed to terminate the notification at the same timing, and specific operation notification ( The control of the non-recommended operation corresponding performance (press order error notification), which changes depending on whether a push order navigation is performed and the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the notified operation manner, or whether a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is performed and the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), is performed on the performance control means (performance control unit 151) side, thus reducing the program capacity of the game control means (main control unit 161).

[0029] (Form 3-4) In a slot machine of type 3, When the specified operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the notified operation mode, a non-recommended operation sound (press order mistake sound) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation mode is output. On the other hand, when the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation sound (press order mistake sound) is not output. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if a specific operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the notified operation manner, a non-recommended operation sound (press order mistake sound) corresponding to the operation being performed in an unrecommended operation manner will be output. On the other hand, if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation sound (press order mistake sound) will not be output. Therefore, it is suggested that even if the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) is not recommended when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, there will be no significant disadvantage, and it will not unnecessarily stir up anxiety in the player.

[0030] (Form 3-5) In a slot machine of type 3, If the aforementioned specific operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the notified operation mode, a non-recommended operation indicator (press order error indicator) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation mode will be displayed. On the other hand, if the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation indicator (press order error indicator) will not be displayed. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if a specific operation notification (press order navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the notified operation manner, a non-recommended operation response display (press order error display) corresponding to the operation being performed in an unrecommended operation manner will be displayed. On the other hand, if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation response display (press order error display) will not be displayed. Therefore, it is suggested that even if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) is used, which is not recommended, there will be no significant disadvantage, and the machine will not unnecessarily cause anxiety among players.

[0031] (Form 3-6) In a slot machine of type 3, If the specified operation notification (push order navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the notified operation mode, and further operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is required, the specified operation notification (push order navigation) will be terminated. If the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), and further operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is required, the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) will be terminated. It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that even when a specific operation notification (push order navigation) or a non-recommended operation notification (non-recommended navigation) is issued, if the operation is performed in a manner other than the recommended operation, the notification will immediately end even if further operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is required. Therefore, even when the recommended operation is impossible, the specific operation notification (push order navigation) or non-recommended operation notification (non-recommended navigation) will not continue, reducing the player's disappointment.

[0032] (Form 3-7) In a slot machine of type 3, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a predetermined operation notification (target navigation) that notifies a predetermined operation mode when a predetermined condition (winning of rare small role A) is met. If the predetermined operation notification (Aim Navi) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the notified operation mode, the screen display mode is changed to a non-recommended operation corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation mode (blackout display). On the other hand, if the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the screen display mode is not changed. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if a specific operation notification (push order navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the notified operation manner, the screen display manner changes to a non-recommended operation corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation manner (blackout display). On the other hand, if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the screen display manner does not change. Therefore, it is suggested that even if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the player operates in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), which is not recommended, there will be no significant disadvantage, and the player will not be unnecessarily made to feel anxious.

[0033] [Form 4] (Form 4-1) The slot machine of form 4 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A pre-determining method (internal lottery) for determining which winners are allowed to win, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). In the normal state, which is the state in which the player spends the most time, if the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the normally recommended operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) in that normal state, a non-recommended operation response effect (non-recommended operation notification) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation manner will be executed. On the other hand, if the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation response effect (non-recommended operation notification) will not be executed. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, in the normal state, which is the state in which players spend the most time, if the input operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the normally recommended operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) in that normal state, a non-recommended operation response effect (non-recommended operation notification) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation manner will be executed. On the other hand, if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the input operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation response effect (non-recommended operation notification) will not be executed. Therefore, it is suggested that even if the player operates in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) which is not recommended when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, there will be no significant disadvantage, and the player will not be unnecessarily made to feel anxious.

[0034] (Form 4-2) In a slot machine of form 4, Even if the lead-out operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the normal state using the normal recommended operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is performed, and even if the lead-out operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated using the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), the recommended operation performance corresponding to the operation in the recommended operation mode is performed. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easier to recognize that even if you operate using the recommended operation method, there will be no significant disadvantage if you operate using the recommended operation method, whether in the normal state or when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given.

[0035] (Form 4-3) In a slot machine of form 4, In the normal state, if the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner other than the normally recommended operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), a non-recommended operation indicator (non-recommended operation indicator) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation manner is displayed. On the other hand, if the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation indicator (non-recommended operation indicator) is not displayed. It is characterized by the following. This feature suggests that if the lead-out operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a manner other than the normally recommended operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) under normal conditions, a non-recommended operation indicator (non-recommended operation indicator) corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended manner will be displayed. On the other hand, if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the lead-out operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the non-recommended operation indicator (non-recommended operation indicator) will not be displayed. Therefore, it is suggested that even if the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) is not recommended when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, there will be no significant disadvantage, and the player will not be unnecessarily made to feel anxious.

[0036] (Form 4-4) In a slot machine of form 4, In the normal state, if the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation mode other than the normally recommended operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the screen display mode is changed to a non-recommended operation corresponding to the operation being performed in a non-recommended operation mode (blackout display). On the other hand, if the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the screen display mode is not changed. It is characterized by the following. This feature indicates that if the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in a manner other than the normally recommended operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) under normal conditions, the screen display will change to a display manner corresponding to the unrecommended operation (blackout display). On the other hand, if an unrecommended notification (unrecommended navigation) is given and the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the screen display will not change. Therefore, it is suggested that even if the unrecommended second operation manner (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) is used when an unrecommended notification (unrecommended navigation) is given, there will be no significant disadvantage, and the game will not unnecessarily cause anxiety among players.

[0037] [Form 5] (Form 5-1) The slot machine of type 5 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). The aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) includes a first specific state (AT preparation state 1) from the start of the specific state (AT preparation state) until the first discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given, and a second specific state (AT preparation state 2) from the time the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given and the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) is performed until the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given again. The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) will always provide the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) if the aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence combination) is met in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), and may not provide the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) if the aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence combination) is met in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1), from the start of the specific state (AT preparation state) until the first non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is always given when the specific condition (winning a button-press combination) is met. However, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), after a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given and the game is operated in the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop), a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is always given when the specific condition (winning a button-press combination) is met. Since recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) may not be given, if the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) is performed once in a specific state (AT preparation state), the frequency of non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) being given decreases even if a specific condition (winning a push-order role) is met thereafter. Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, it is possible to effectively encourage the operation of the lead operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop).

[0038] (Form 5-2) In a slot machine of type 5, It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, When the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is one of several types of specific results (push-order roles), the specific award (main prize) can be generated when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in an operation manner corresponding to the type of specific result (push-order role). The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) is capable of providing a specific operation notification (push order navigation) that notifies the operation mode corresponding to the type of specific result (push order role) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the specific state (AT preparation state) becomes one of the types of specific results (push order role). The operation modes corresponding to the type of specified result (press order combination) are all the first operation modes (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), The aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence combination) is that the result of the prior determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specified results (button sequence combinations), The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) always performs the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) is any type of specific result (push order role), and in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is any type of specific result (push order role), it may perform the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) or the specific operation notification (push order navigation). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specific results (push order role), and the specific condition (winning the push order role) is met, there are two possibilities: either a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, or a specific operation notification (push order navigation) is given. Since the specific operation notification (push order navigation) makes it possible to generate a specific awarded prize (main role), the loss to the player who operates in a second operation mode that is not recommended (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) due to the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) can be suppressed.

[0039] (Form 5-3) In a slot machine of type 5, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) always performs the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the first specific state (AT preparation state 1) is any type of specific result (button press order role), and when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is any type of specific result (button press order role), it may perform the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), or it may perform the specific operation notification (button press order navigation), or it may not perform either the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) or the specific operation notification (button press order navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents the specific state (AT preparation state) from becoming excessively advantageous in a configuration where, when a specific condition (winning a specific button combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), the player continues to operate in a second, unrecommended operation mode (stopping the left reel first).

[0040] (Form 5-4) In a slot machine of type 5, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) determines whether or not to perform the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) when the aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence role) is met in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), and performs the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) when it is decided to perform the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it difficult to predict whether or not a discouraged notification (discretionary navigation) will be given when a specific condition (winning a button sequence) is met in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2).

[0041] (Form 5-5) In a slot machine of type 5, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) determines whether or not to perform the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is any type of specific result (push order role), and if it is decided to perform the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation), it performs the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation), and if it is decided not to perform the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation), it performs the specific operation notification (push order navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it difficult to predict whether a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) or a specific operation notification (push order navigation) will be given when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) becomes one of the specific results (push order role) and the specific condition (winning the push order role) is met.

[0042] (Form 5-6) In a slot machine of type 5, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) determines whether or not to perform the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) and whether or not to perform the specific operation notification (push order navigation) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2) is any type of specific result (push order role). If it is decided to perform the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation), the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is performed. If it is decided to perform the specific operation notification (push order navigation), the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is performed. If it is decided not to perform either the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) or the specific operation notification (push order navigation), neither the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) nor the specific operation notification (push order navigation) is performed. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it difficult to predict whether, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) will be one of the specific results (push order role), and if the specific condition (winning of the push order role) is met, a discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) will be given, a specific operation notification (push order navigation) will be given, or neither notification will be given.

[0043] (Form 5-7) In a slot machine of type 5, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) performs the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) each time the number of times the aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence role) is met reaches a predetermined number of times in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2). It is characterized by the following. Based on this feature, it is possible to predict whether or not a discouraged notification (discretionary navigation) will be issued when a specific condition (winning a button sequence) is met in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2).

[0044] (Form 5-8) In a slot machine of type 5, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) performs the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) each time the number of times the determination result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) becomes any type of specific result (push order role) reaches a predetermined number of times in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), and otherwise performs the specific operation notification (push order navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows us to predict whether, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) will be one of the specific results (push order role), and if the specific condition (winning the push order role) is met, a discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) or a specific operation notification (push order navigation) will be given.

[0045] (Form 5-9) In a slot machine of type 5, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation performance) regularly determines whether to perform the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation), the specified operation notification (press order navigation), or neither the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) nor the specified operation notification (press order navigation) when the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the second specified state (AT preparation state 2) is one of the specified results (press order role). It is characterized by the following. Based on this feature, in the second specific state (AT preparation state 2), if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) is one of the specific results (push order role) and the specific condition (winning the push order role) is met, it is possible to predict whether a discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) will be given, a specific operation notification (push order navigation) will be given, or neither notification will be given.

[0046] [Form 6] (Form 6-1) The slot machine of type 6 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). Even if, after the start of the specified state (AT preparation state), the first time the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given, the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) and the system is not controlled to the advantageous state (AT1 state), the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given thereafter, and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop) to control the system to the advantageous state (AT1 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, even if, after the start of a specific state (AT preparation state), the first non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, and the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) is used, and the machine is not controlled to an advantageous state (AT1 state), the machine will be controlled to an advantageous state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop). Therefore, even if the machine is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), which is not recommended due to the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation), it will not result in a significant loss for the player.

[0047] [Form 7] (Form 7-1) The slot machine of type 7 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is indicated by the discouragement notification (discouragement navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the next game will feature an effect (AT1 start effect) that transitions to the advantageous state (AT1 state), and the advantageous state (AT1 state) will begin. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, if a discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the game is operated in the first operation mode (stopping order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), an animation (AT1 start animation) will be performed in the next game to transition to an advantageous state (AT1 state), and the advantageous state (AT1 state) will begin. Therefore, the occurrence of the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) itself serves as a signal to start the advantageous state (AT1 state), thus increasing the excitement of the game.

[0048] [Form 8] (Form 8-1) The slot machine of type 8 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) will not provide the aforementioned discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) even if the aforementioned specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met, until a predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed after the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) has started. During the period from the start of the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) until the predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed, an emphasis performance (prologue performance) is executed to emphasize that the system will transition to the advantageous state (AT1 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, once the player is notified that they will transition to an advantageous state (AT1 state), and after a specific state (AT preparation state) has started, until a predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed, even if a specific condition (winning a button sequence) is met, the player will not receive a discouraging notification (discretionary navigation). During the period from the start of the specific condition (winning a button sequence) until the predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed, an emphasis performance (prologue performance) will be executed to highlight the transition to an advantageous state (AT1 state), so that the emphasis performance (prologue performance) highlighting the transition to an advantageous state (AT1 state) will not be interrupted by the discouraging notification (discretionary navigation).

[0049] [Form 9] (Form 9-1) The slot machine of type 9 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) will not provide the aforementioned discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) even if the aforementioned specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met, until a predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed after the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) has started. During the period from the start of the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) until the predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed, a determination (point-up effect) is made regarding the degree of advantage of the advantageous state (AT1 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, once the transition to a favorable state (AT1 state) is announced, and a specific state (AT preparation state) begins, no discouragement announcement (discretionary navigation) is made even if a specific condition (winning a button sequence) is met, until a predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed. During the period from the start of the specific condition (winning a button sequence) until the predetermined period (AT standby state 0) has elapsed, a decision regarding the favorability of the favorable state (AT1 state) (point-up effect) is made. Thus, after the announcement that the transition to a favorable state (AT1 state) is made, a period is secured during which a decision regarding the favorability of the favorable state (AT1 state) (point-up effect) is made before the favorable state (AT1 state) actually begins.

[0050] [Form 10] (Form 10-1) The slot machine of type 10 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) notifies that the system will transition to the advantageous state (AT1 state), and after the specific state (AT preparation state) has started, it performs the non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when the specific condition (winning a button sequence combination) is first met. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT1 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT1 state). Furthermore, when a notification is given that the game is transitioning to a favorable state (AT1 state), and after a specific state (AT preparation state) is started, a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is first met, prompting the player to operate in the first operation mode that starts the favorable state (AT1 state) (stopping the middle or right reel first), thus allowing the game to quickly enter the favorable state (AT1 state).

[0051] (Form 10-2) In a slot machine of form 10, After the start of the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state), during the period until a predetermined period (5 games) has elapsed, an emphasis performance (prologue performance) is executed that emphasizes the transition to the aforementioned advantageous state (AT1 state). If the aforementioned special effect (prologue effect) is performed and the aforementioned specific condition (winning a button sequence) is met, and the aforementioned discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is to be performed, the display image (discouraged navigation image) for the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) will be set on a display layer with a higher priority than the display layer on which the display image for the special effect (prologue effect) is set. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if a discouragement notice (discretionary navigation) is displayed during the execution of a highlighting effect (prologue effect), the visibility of the discouragement notice (discretionary navigation) will not be obstructed by the display of the highlighting effect (prologue effect).

[0052] [Form 11] (Form 11-1) The slot machine of type 11 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the aforementioned variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, An operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display) capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) when a specific condition (winning a button press combination) is met in a specific state (AT preparation state), and notifying the second operation mode (stopping the left reel first) of the two operation modes (stopping the left reel first) as a non-recommendation operation mode. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT2 state). When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the control continues in the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state). The system does not control from the normal state, which has the highest proportion of time spent in the system, to the specific state (AT preparation state); instead, it controls from the advantageous state (AT2 state) to the specific state (AT preparation state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration where a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and the system is controlled to a favorable state (AT2 state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), while the system remains controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) are operated in a second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop), the system is further controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state). By notifying the second operation mode (stop order with the left reel as the first stop) as a discouragement operation mode in the discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) given in the specific state (AT preparation state), it is possible to encourage the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle or right reel as the first stop), which controls the system to a favorable state (AT2 state). Furthermore, by controlling the game from an advantageous state (AT2 state) to a specific state (AT preparation state) and issuing a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation), it is possible to change the flow of the game. Also, since the game does not control to a specific state (AT preparation state) every time it is controlled from the normal state to an advantageous state (AT1 state or AT2 state), the hassle of transitioning to an advantageous state (AT1 state or AT2 state) can be reduced.

[0053] (Form 11-2) In a slot machine of form 11, When the system is controlled from the advantageous state (AT2 state) to the specific state (AT preparation state), the remaining period of the advantageous state (AT2 state) does not decrease during the period of control to the specific state (AT preparation state). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the user to be controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) while in a favorable state (AT2 state), and the remaining period of the favorable state (AT2 state) does not decrease, giving the impression that the user is controlled to the favorable state (AT2 state) for a longer period of time.

[0054] (Form 11-3) In a slot machine of form 11, When the system is controlled from the advantageous state (AT2 state) to the specific state (AT preparation state), the effects that were being performed in the advantageous state (AT2 state) will be continued and executed. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to reduce the feeling of discomfort caused by being controlled to a specific state (AT preparation state) while in an advantageous state (AT2 state).

[0055] (Form 11-4) In a slot machine of form 11, When a predetermined number (1000 or more) of game value (medals) is acquired in the advantageous state (AT2 state), the system is controlled to the specific state (AT preparation state). It is characterized by the following. This feature means that each time you transition to a favorable state (AT2 state), a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, eliminating the need to perform operations in the recommended manner and reducing the hassle of transitioning to a favorable state (AT1 state).

[0056] [Form 12] (Form 12-1) The slot machine of form 12 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 11, The second operation mode is an operation mode in which a specific variable display unit (left reel) among three or more variable display units (left reel, middle reel, right reel) is made to first produce a display result (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop), The first operation mode is an operation mode in which the display result is first derived from the three or more variable display units (left reel, middle reel, right reel) other than a specific variable display unit (middle reel, right reel) (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is triggered by the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), a reward (points) is awarded depending on which of the two or more variable display units (middle reel, right reel) other than the aforementioned specific variable display unit is operated to first derive the display result. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), a bonus (points) is awarded according to the selection of a first operation method (stopping order with the middle or right reel as the first stop) performed to control the game into a favorable state (AT1 state), thereby increasing the excitement when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given.

[0057] (Form 12-2) In a slot machine of form 12, When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), a bonus (points) related to the advantage level of the advantageous state (AT1 state) is awarded depending on which of the two or more variable display units (middle reel or right reel) other than the aforementioned specific variable display unit is operated to first derive the display result. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when a discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), the player is granted a bonus (points) related to the subsequent advantageous state (AT1 state) depending on the first operation method (stopping order with the middle or right reel as the first stop) used to control the game to an advantageous state (AT1 state), thereby increasing the excitement when a discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is given.

[0058] (Form 12-3) In a slot machine of form 12, It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, When the result of the aforementioned pre-determination means (internal lottery) is a predetermined result (predetermined role), it is possible to derive a predetermined display result (combination of rare role symbols), and a bonus (points) may be awarded. When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is given the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), when the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stop order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), and when an operation is performed to cause a predetermined variable display unit among two or more variable display units other than the aforementioned specific variable display unit (middle reel or right reel) to first derive a display result (stop order in which the main character does not win), the predetermined display result (combination of symbols for a rare role) or a display result similar to the predetermined display result (combination of symbols for a rare role) is derived, and a bonus (points) is awarded. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), and an operation is performed in which a display result is first derived in a predetermined variable display unit among the first operation modes (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), a predetermined display result (symbol combination of rare roles) or a display result similar to the predetermined display result (symbol combination of rare roles) is derived, suggesting that a bonus (points) will be awarded, and a bonus (points) is awarded. This enhances the enjoyment of the display result derived when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given.

[0059] (Form 12-4) In a slot machine of form 12, When the aforementioned specific state (AT preparation state) is triggered by the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation), and the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated in the first operation mode (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), the amount of game value (medals) awarded will differ depending on which of the two or more variable display units (middle reel or right reel) other than the aforementioned specific variable display unit is operated to first display the display result. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), the game value (medals) awarded changes depending on the first operation method (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop) selected to control the game into a favorable state (AT1 state), thereby increasing the excitement when a discouragement notification (discretionary navigation) is given.

[0060] [Form 13] (Form 13-1) The slot machine of form 13 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 12. The second operation mode is an operation mode in which a specific variable display unit (left reel) among three or more variable display units (left reel, middle reel, right reel) is made to first produce a display result (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop), The first operation mode is an operation mode in which the display result is first derived from the three or more variable display units (left reel, middle reel, right reel) other than a specific variable display unit (middle reel, right reel) (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), In the aforementioned discouragement notification (discouragement navigation), a notification indicating that the specific variable display unit (left reel) is discouraged (navigation image showing "×") is displayed, and a notification indicating that the other variable display units (middle reel, right reel) are recommended (navigation image showing "○") is displayed. When the operation to derive the display result is performed for the first time, regardless of which variable display unit the operation to derive the display result is performed on, the discouraged notification (navigation image showing "×") and the recommended notification (navigation image showing "○") corresponding to all variable display units (left reel, middle reel, right reel) will be terminated. It is characterized by the following. This feature means that all notifications end when the first operation to derive the display result is performed. Therefore, when a discouraged notification (discretionary navigation) is given, the user can recognize that there are two options: a discouraged operation and a recommended operation.

[0061] (Form 13-2) In a slot machine of form 13, In the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation), the light-emitting parts (effect LED 52) corresponding to each of the variable display parts other than the specific variable display part (middle reel, right reel) are illuminated. When the operation to derive the display result is performed for the first time, regardless of which variable display unit the operation to derive the display result is performed on, all light-emitting units (effect LED 52) corresponding to variable display units other than the specific variable display unit (middle reel, right reel) will be turned off. It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that when the operation to derive the display result is performed for the first time, all light-emitting parts (effect LED 52) corresponding to the recommended variable display parts (middle reel, right reel) turn off. Therefore, when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, the user can recognize that there are two options: a non-recommended operation and a recommended operation.

[0062] [Form 14] (Form 14-1) The slot machine of form 14 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 13. It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, The aforementioned pre-determination means (internal lottery) can determine special results (special roles) in which the displayed results derived differ depending on whether the operation is performed in the first operation mode (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop) or the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop). The discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is given only if the result of the pre-determination means (internal lottery) in the specified state (AT preparation state) is the special result (special role). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the determination of whether the operation was performed using a first operation method (stopping order with the middle or right reel as the first stop) or a second operation method (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) when a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given in a specific state (AT preparation state), based on the difference in the derived display result. This reduces the program capacity required to determine the operation method.

[0063] [Form 15] (Form 15-1) The slot machine of form 15 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 14. Depending on whether the operation was performed in the normal recommended mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop), which is the most frequently used state, different processing can be executed. The above-mentioned normally recommended operating mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) is an operating mode common to either the first operating mode (stopping order with the middle reel or the right reel as the first stop) or the second operating mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop). The process for determining whether the operation was performed in the normally recommended operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) and the process for determining whether the operation was performed in the first operation mode (stopping order with the middle or right reel as the first stop) or the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop) are common processes. It is characterized by the following. This feature means that the process for determining whether the operation was performed in the normally recommended manner (stopping the left reel first) and the process for determining whether the operation was performed in the first manner (stopping the middle or right reel first) or the second manner (stopping the left reel first) are common processes, thus reducing the program capacity required to determine the operation manner.

[0064] [Form 16] (Form 16-1) The slot machine of form 16 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 15. It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of providing advantageous operation notification (push order navigation) that notifies the advantageous operation mode of the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) which is advantageous according to the determination result of the prior determination means (internal lottery), The display format of the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) and the display format of the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (push order navigation) are different. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the distinction between a discouraged notification (discretionary navigation) and a favorable operation notification (button press order navigation) based on the difference in their display patterns.

[0065] (Form 16-2) In a slot machine of form 16, The overall size of the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images constituting the non-recommended navigation) is larger than the overall size of the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (push order navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images constituting the push order navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature improves the visibility of non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) and reduces operational errors when non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) are displayed.

[0066] (Form 16-3) In a slot machine of form 16, The overall size of the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images that make up the non-recommended navigation) is smaller than the overall size of the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (push order navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images that make up the push order navigation). It is characterized by the following. This characteristic suggests that even if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, operating in a second, unrecommended manner (stopping the left reel first) will not result in significant disadvantages.

[0067] (Form 16-4) In a slot machine of form 16, The aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) and the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (button press order navigation) are both composed of multiple images (navigation images), The size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is larger than the size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (button press navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature improves the visibility of non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) and reduces operational errors when non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) are displayed.

[0068] (Form 16-5) In a slot machine of form 16, The aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) and the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (button press order navigation) are both composed of multiple images (navigation images), The size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is smaller than the size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (button press navigation). It is characterized by the following. This characteristic suggests that even if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, operating in a second, unrecommended manner (stopping the left reel first) will not result in significant disadvantages.

[0069] (Form 16-6) In a slot machine of form 16, The color of the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) and the color of the aforementioned advantageous operation notification (button press navigation) are different. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the distinction between a discouraged notification (discretionary navigation) and a favorable operation notification (button press order navigation) based on the difference in color.

[0070] [Form 17] (Form 17-1) The slot machine of form 17 is one of the slot machines of forms 1 to 16, It is equipped with a pre-determining mechanism (internal lottery) for determining which prize winners are permitted to win, It is possible to perform a predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) that notifies when the result of the aforementioned pre-determination means (internal lottery) has become a predetermined result (predetermined role), The display format of the aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) and the display format of the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) are different. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the distinction between a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) and a predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) based on the difference in display format.

[0071] (Form 17-2) In a slot machine of type 17, The overall size of the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images constituting the non-recommended navigation) is larger than the overall size of the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images constituting the rare role navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature improves the visibility of non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) and reduces operational errors when non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) are displayed.

[0072] (Form 17-3) In a slot machine of type 17, The overall size of the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images constituting the non-recommended navigation) is smaller than the overall size of the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) (the total area of ​​the navigation images constituting the rare role navigation). It is characterized by the following. This characteristic suggests that even if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, operating in a second, unrecommended manner (stopping the left reel first) will not result in significant disadvantages.

[0073] (Form 17-4) In a slot machine of type 17, The aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) and the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) are both composed of multiple images (navigation images), The size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is larger than the size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation). It is characterized by the following. This feature improves the visibility of non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) and reduces operational errors when non-recommended notifications (non-recommended navigation) are displayed.

[0074] (Form 17-5) In a slot machine of type 17, The aforementioned non-recommendation notification (non-recommendation navigation) and the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) are both composed of multiple images (navigation images), The size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is smaller than the size of the image (navigation image) that constitutes the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation). It is characterized by the following. This characteristic suggests that even if a non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is given, operating in a second, unrecommended manner (stopping the left reel first) will not result in significant disadvantages.

[0075] (Form 17-6) In a slot machine of type 17, The color of the aforementioned discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) and the color of the aforementioned predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) are different. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the distinction between a discouraged notification (discretionary navigation) and a predetermined result notification (rare role navigation) based on the difference in color.

[0076] [Form 18] (Form 18-1) The slot machine of form 18 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 17, The aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is composed of multiple images, including a first image (navigation image showing "○") corresponding to the first operation mode (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop) and a second image (navigation image showing "×") corresponding to the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop), wherein the size of the first image (navigation image showing "○") is larger than the size of the second image (navigation image showing "×"). It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easier to recognize that the first operating mode (stopping the middle or right reel first) is the recommended operating mode.

[0077] [Form 19] (Form 19-1) The slot machine of form 19 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 18. The aforementioned non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is composed of multiple images, including a first image (navigation image showing "○") corresponding to the first operation mode (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop) and a second image (navigation image showing "×") corresponding to the second operation mode (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop), wherein the size of the second image (navigation image showing "×") is larger than the size of the first image (navigation image showing "○"). It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easier to recognize that the second operating method (stopping the left reel first) is not a recommended operating method.

[0078] [Form 20] (Form 20-1) The slot machine of form 20 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 19, It is possible to execute a predetermined effect (an effect other than the recommended navigation) at the same time as the aforementioned discouraged notification (discouraged navigation), When the aforementioned discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is performed, the predetermined effects (effects other than the discouraged navigation, excluding the effect currently being performed) will not be executed. It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents the visibility of the unrecommended notification (unrecommended navigation) from being obstructed by the execution of predetermined effects (effects other than the currently running effect and the unrecommended navigation).

[0079] [Form 21] (Form 21-1) The slot machine of form 21 is one of the slot machines of forms 1 to 20, The second operation mode is an operation mode in which a specific variable display unit (left reel) among three or more variable display units (left reel, middle reel, right reel) is made to first produce a display result (stopping order with the left reel as the first stop), The first operation mode is an operation mode in which the display result is first derived from the three or more variable display units (left reel, middle reel, right reel) other than a specific variable display unit (middle reel, right reel) (stopping order with the middle reel or right reel as the first stop), In the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation), the light-emitting portions (effect LEDs 52) respectively corresponding to the variable display portions (middle reel, right reel) other than the specific variable display portion are caused to emit light characterized in that According to this feature, the variable display portion (middle reel, right reel) for which a display result is to be derived first can be recognized in an easy-to-understand manner

[0080] (Mode 21-2) In the slot machine according to Mode 21, The operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) is capable of performing operation order notification (press order navigation) that notifies the operation order of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) for deriving display results on the variable display portions (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), In the operation order notification (press order navigation), the light-emitting portion (effect LED 52) corresponding to the variable display portion (reel 2L, 2C, 2R) whose display result is to be derived next is caused to emit light, and when an operation for deriving a display result is performed on the notified variable display portion (reel 2L, 2C, 2R), the currently emitting light-emitting portion (effect LED 52) is turned off, and the light-emitting portion (effect LED 52) corresponding to the variable display portion (reel 2L, 2C, 2R) whose display result is to be derived next is caused to emit light characterized in that According to this feature, when operation order notification (press order navigation) is performed, the variable display portion (reel 2L, 2C, 2R) whose display result is to be derived next can be recognized in an easy-to-understand manner

[0081] (Mode 21-3) In the slot machine according to Mode 21, When the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation) is being performed, at least a part of the light-emitting portions (effect LEDs 52) other than the light-emitting portions (effect LEDs 52) corresponding to the variable display portions (middle reel, right reel) other than the specific variable display portion are turned off characterized in that According to this feature, when the light-emitting parts (effect LED 52) corresponding to variable display parts other than specific variable display parts (middle reel, right reel) are illuminated by the non-recommended notification (non-recommended navigation), at least some of the light-emitting parts (effect LED 52) will turn off, making it possible to highlight the variable display parts (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that initially produce the display result.

[0082] [Form 22] (Form 22-1) The slot machine of form 22 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 21. When the aforementioned discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is executed, a sound effect specific to the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation notification sound) is output. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when a discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is executed, a sound effect specific to that discouragement notification (discouragement navigation notification sound) is output, thus drawing attention to the fact that a discouragement notification (discouragement navigation) is being performed.

[0083] [Form 23] (Form 23-1) The slot machine of form 23 is a combination of the slot machines of forms 1 to 22. When the aforementioned discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is performed, the display image (navigation image) for the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) is set on the same display layer as the display layer on which the display images (navigation images) for the notification of the operation modes of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) other than the discouraged notification (discouraged navigation) performed by the operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation effect) are set. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for a common display layer for setting the display image of the operation mode notification of the derived operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) performed by the operation mode information notification means (navigation notification, navigation display), thereby simplifying processing.

[0084] [Form 24] (Form 24-1) The slot machine of type 24 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display various information by moving reels, each containing multiple types of identifiable information, using stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) driven by changing the excitation state. In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a prize can be awarded according to the display result derived after the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) has been displayed in a variable manner, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) that controls the excitation state, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A start operation means (start switch 7) that the player operates to start the variable display, A betting amount setting means that sets the betting amount for a unit game using game value (medals), A normal unit game execution means (main control unit 161) performs a normal unit game (normal game) in which, when the start condition is met because the bet setting means has set the bet amount, the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) displays a variable value, and then derives a display result according to the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), Regardless of whether the aforementioned start-up conditions are met or not, when specific conditions (conditions for executing a simulated game) are met, the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) displays a variable information, and then the special unit game execution means (main control unit 161) performs a special unit game (simulated game) that derives a display result according to the operation of the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R), In the aforementioned special unit game (simulated game), no game value (medals) is awarded regardless of the displayed result, while in the aforementioned normal unit game (normal game), game value (medals) is awarded according to the displayed result, by a game value awarding means (main control unit 161), Equipped with, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is, In the first stop state (after normal gameplay) where the display result is derived during the normal unit gameplay and the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) has stopped, control is performed so as not to change the excitation state. In the special unit game (simulated game) described above, in the second stop state (after the simulated game) in which the display result is derived and the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, control is performed to change the excitation state to a first excitation state corresponding to one rotation direction (forward rotation) or to a second excitation state corresponding to another rotation direction (reverse rotation) at predetermined intervals (448ms). It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that when a display result is derived in a normal unit game (regular game) where game value (medals) may be awarded according to the display result, the excitation state is not changed. However, when a display result is derived in a special unit game (simulated game) where game value (medals) is not awarded according to the display result, the excitation state is changed every predetermined period (448ms). This allows the player to clearly understand whether the display result is derived as a result of the game or as a visual effect.

[0085] (Form 24-2) In a slot machine of type 24, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is, In the first stopped state (after normal gameplay), the excitation state can be controlled to a first stopped excitation state (a state in which all excitation phases are demagnetized) in which the stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) stop. In the second stop state (after simulated gameplay), the excitation state can be controlled to a second stop excitation state (a state in which some excitation phases are excited) in which the stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) are less likely to operate than in the first stop excitation state (a state in which all excitation phases are demagnetized). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in special unit games (simulated games), when the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, in the second stop state (after simulated games), that is, in a state where the excitation state changes periodically, the stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) are controlled to a second stop excitation state (a state in which some excitation phases are excited) in which the stepping motors are less likely to operate than in the first stop excitation state (a state in which all excitation phases are demagnetized) in normal unit games (normal games), that is, in a state where the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, in the first stop state (after normal games), that is, in a state where the excitation state does not change. Therefore, even in a state where the excitation state changes periodically, it is possible to prevent the stopping position of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) from shifting.

[0086] (Form 24-3) In a slot machine of type 24, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is, In the first stopped state (after normal gameplay), the excitation state can be controlled to a first stopped excitation state (a state in which all excitation phases are demagnetized) in which the stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) stop. During the period between the second stop state (after simulated gameplay) and the special unit game (simulated gameplay) in which the display result is derived and the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, and the first control to change to the first excitation state (excitation in the forward direction) or the second excitation state (excitation in the reverse direction), the excitation state can be controlled to the second stop excitation state (a state in which some excitation phases are excited), in which the stepping motor (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) is less likely to operate than the first stop excitation state (a state in which all excitation phases are demagnetized). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a special unit game (pseudo-game), in the second stopped state (after the pseudo-game) where the variation of the variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is stopped, that is, during the period from when the variation of the variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is stopped in a state where the excitation state changes periodically to when control for changing the excitation state for the first time (excitation in the forward rotation direction) is performed, the stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) are controlled to a second stopped excitation state (a state where some excitation phases are excited) in which the stepping motors are less likely to operate than the first stopped excitation state (a state where all excitation phases are demagnetized) in the first stopped state (after a normal game) where the variation of the variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is stopped in a normal unit game (normal game), that is, in a state where the excitation state does not change. Therefore, deviation of the stop positions of the variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) can be prevented even in a state where the excitation state changes periodically.

[0087] (Embodiment 24-4) In the slot machine according to Embodiment 24, said excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is capable of controlling said excitation state to the first stopped excitation state (a state where all excitation phases are demagnetized) in which said stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) stop in said first stopped state (after a normal game), in said second stopped state (after a pseudo-game), during the period from after control for changing to said first excitation state (excitation in the forward rotation direction) or said second excitation state (excitation in the reverse rotation direction) is performed to before control for changing to said first excitation state (excitation in the forward rotation direction) or said second excitation state (excitation in the reverse rotation direction) is performed next time, capable of controlling said excitation state to the second stopped excitation state (a state where some excitation phases are excited) in which said stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) are less likely to operate than in said first stopped excitation state (a state where all excitation phases are demagnetized) characterized in that According to this feature, in special unit games (simulated games), after the second stop state (after the simulated game) in which the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops changing, that is, after control is performed to change to the first excitation state (excitation in the forward direction) or the second excitation state (excitation in the reverse direction) among the states in which the excitation state changes periodically, during the period until the next control is performed to change to the first excitation state (excitation in the forward direction) or the second excitation state (excitation in the reverse direction), in normal unit games (normal games) Because the stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) are controlled to a second stop excitation state (a state in which some excitation phases are energized), which is less likely to operate than the first stop excitation state (a state in which all excitation phases are demagnetized), when the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) has stopped (after normal gameplay), i.e., when the excitation state does not change, it is possible to prevent the stopping position of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) from shifting even when the excitation state changes periodically.

[0088] (Form 24-5) In a slot machine of type 24, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is, In the acceleration control performed when starting the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) to start moving from a state where the movement of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) has stopped, after switching the excitation state in the rotational direction, the next excitation state is switched after the acceleration excitation time (4.48ms to 13.44ms) has elapsed. When changing to the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation) in the second stop state (after simulated gameplay), the next excitation state is switched after a vibration excitation time (3.36 ms) shorter than the acceleration excitation time (4.48 ms to 13.44 ms) has elapsed since switching to the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in acceleration control performed when starting the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) to start moving again after the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) has stopped moving, after switching the excitation state in the rotation direction, the next excitation state is switched after the acceleration excitation time (4.48ms~13.44ms) has elapsed. On the other hand, in the second stop state (after the simulated game) in special unit games (simulated games) when the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) has stopped moving, that is, in a state where the excitation state changes periodically, the first excitation state (in the forward rotation direction) is maintained. When switching to the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation), after switching to the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation), the next excitation state is switched after a vibration excitation time (3.36 ms) shorter than the acceleration excitation time (4.48 ms to 13.44 ms) has elapsed. Therefore, after switching to the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation) in the second stop state (after simulated gameplay), the system does not remain in that state for a long time, and the vibration does not become excessive.

[0089] (Form 24-6) In a slot machine of type 24, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is, In constant-speed control, which controls the fluctuations of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) at a constant speed, after switching the excitation state in the rotational direction, the system switches to the next excitation state after a constant-speed excitation time (2.24 ms) has elapsed. When changing to the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation) in the second stop state (after simulated gameplay), the next excitation state is switched after a vibration excitation time (3.36 ms) longer than the constant speed excitation time (2.24 ms) has elapsed since switching to the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in constant-speed control where the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) fluctuates at a constant speed, after switching the excitation state in the rotation direction, the excitation state is switched to the next state after a constant-speed excitation time (2.24 ms) has elapsed. On the other hand, in special unit games (simulated games), in the second stop state (after the simulated game) where the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, that is, in the state where the excitation state changes periodically, the excitation state is changed to either the first excitation state (excitation in the forward rotation direction) or the second excitation state (excitation in the reverse rotation direction). After switching to either the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation), the system switches to the next excitation state after a vibration excitation time (3.36 ms) longer than the constant speed excitation time (2.24 ms). Therefore, after switching to either the first excitation state (forward rotation) or the second excitation state (reverse rotation) in the second stop state (after simulated gameplay), if the system remains in that state for a longer period of time compared to constant speed rotation, it becomes clear that the variable display section (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is vibrating.

[0090] (Form 24-7) In a slot machine of type 24, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is, In the special unit game (simulated game), in order to stop the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), the excitation state is set to a stopped excitation state (a state in which some excitation phases are excited) in which the stepping motor (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) stops, and then control is performed to change to the first excitation state (excitation in the forward direction) or the second excitation state (excitation in the reverse direction) before the predetermined period (448ms) has elapsed. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in special unit games (simulated games), when controlling the system to a second stop state (after a simulated game) where the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, i.e., a state in which the excitation state changes periodically, the system first sets the excitation state to a stop excitation state (a state in which some excitation phases are excited) where the stepping motor (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) stops in order to stop the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R). Then, before a predetermined period (448ms) has elapsed for the excitation state to change, the system controls the system to change to either the first excitation state (excitation in the forward direction) or the second excitation state (excitation in the reverse direction). As a result, in special unit games (simulated games), after the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, the system quickly controls the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) to vibrate slightly, making it clear that it is a special unit game (simulated game).

[0091] (Form 24-8) In a slot machine of type 24, The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) is, In the second stopped state (after simulated gameplay), at predetermined intervals (448ms), the system is controlled to the first excitation state (forward rotation excitation) in which the first excitation phase (one excitation phase / two excitation phases) among the multiple excitation phases (φ1 to φ4 excitation phases) is excited, and then controlled to the second excitation state (reverse rotation excitation) in which the second excitation phase (two excitation phases / one excitation phase) among the multiple excitation phases (φ1 to φ4 excitation phases) is excited. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the second stop state (after the simulated game) in special unit games (simulated games) when the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, that is, in the state in which the excitation state changes periodically, the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) can be preferably vibrated by changing the number of excitation phases when the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is fluctuated.

[0092] (Form 24-9) In a slot machine of type 24, The variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is equipped with a counter (reel counter) capable of identifying its position, When the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is to be varied at a constant speed, the excitation state control means (main control unit 161) updates the value of the counter (reel counter) each time the excitation state is switched. If the excitation state control means (main control unit 161) switches to the first excitation state (excitation in the forward direction) or the second excitation state (excitation in the reverse direction) in the second stop state (after simulated gameplay), the value of the counter (reel counter) is not updated. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is fluctuating at a constant speed, the value of the counter (reel counter) is updated each time the excitation state is switched, making it possible to pinpoint the position of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R). On the other hand, when controlling the system to a second stop state (after the simulated game) in special unit games (simulated games) where the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) has stopped, i.e., a state in which the excitation state changes periodically, the value of the counter (reel counter) is not updated even when the excitation state is switched. This reduces the frequency of the process of updating the value of the counter (reel counter), thereby reducing the processing load.

[0093] (Form 24-10) In a slot machine of type 24, Multiple parts data (excitation parts) that define the excitation content of the aforementioned stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R) are defined. The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) controls the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) by combining the part data (excitation parts) and referring to the excitation content. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the creation of various fluctuation patterns with less data by combining multiple parts data (excitation parts) that define the excitation content of stepping motors (reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R).

[0094] (Form 24-11) In a slot machine of type 24, It is equipped with multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), The excitation state control means (main control unit 161) uses common part data (excitation parts) for the fluctuations of the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the use of common part data (excitation parts) for fluctuations in multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, and 2R), thereby reducing the data capacity required for the part data (excitation parts).

[0095] (Form 24-12) In a slot machine of type 24, The aforementioned parts data (excitation parts) includes parts data common to both the normal unit game (normal game) and the special unit game (simulated game) (acceleration parts, constant speed parts) and dedicated parts data (stopping part 1, stopping part 2, stopping part 3, standby parts). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the inclusion of common part data (acceleration part, constant speed part) and dedicated part data (stop part 1, stop part 2, stop part 3, standby part) for both normal unit games (normal gameplay) and special unit games (simulated gameplay). This reduces the data capacity required for part data (excitation part) while allowing for variations specific to each game.

[0096] (Form 24-13) In a slot machine of type 24, The parts data (excitation parts) specifically for the aforementioned special unit game (simulated game) includes a micro-vibration part (stopping part 3) that causes the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) to vibrate slightly, The aforementioned micro-vibration part (stop part 3) consists of an excitation pattern that initially causes micro-vibration and an excitation pattern that then causes it to wait for a certain period of time. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for periodic micro-vibration of the variable display section (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) by repeatedly using the micro-vibration component (stop component 3).

[0097] (Form 24-14) In a slot machine of type 24, It is equipped with multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), In the special unit game (simulated game), after the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) stops, it is determined whether the remaining variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is controlled to an excitation pattern that causes the micro-vibration part (stop part 3) to remain idle for a certain period of time. If it is determined that the remaining variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is controlled to an excitation pattern that causes the micro-vibration part (stop part 3) to remain idle for a certain period of time, all of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) are switched to the micro-vibration part (stop part 3). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in special unit games (simulated games), after the fluctuations of all variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) have stopped, all variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) are switched to micro-vibration parts (stop parts 3). This allows the timing of the micro-vibrations to be synchronized, and because the micro-vibration parts (stop parts 3) are switched at the timing when all variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) have stopped and are controlled to an excitation pattern that keeps them waiting for a certain period of time, it is possible to prevent the part data (excitation parts) from switching while some reels are still rotating or are experiencing micro-vibrations.

[0098] (Form 24-15) In a slot machine of type 24, The variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is equipped with a counter (reel counter) capable of identifying its position, In the special unit game (simulated game), the value of the counter (reel counter) is not updated during the period when the fluctuation of the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is accelerated until the initial position (reference position) is detected, and after the second stop state (after the simulated game) is reached, even if the excitation state control means (main control unit 161) switches the excitation state. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in special unit games (simulated games), the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is accelerated until the initial position (reference position) is detected, and after the second stop state (after the simulated game) is reached, the value of the counter (reel counter) is not updated even if the excitation state is switched. Therefore, the frequency of processing to update the value of the counter (reel counter) can be reduced, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0099] (Form 24-16) In a slot machine of type 24, It is equipped with multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), In the special unit game (simulated game), after the second stop state (after the simulated game) is reached, the game transitions to the normal unit game (normal game), and when the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) begin to fluctuate, the timing at which each variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) begins to fluctuate is randomly changed. After any of the variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) begins to fluctuate, the variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that have not yet begun to fluctuate are subjected to control that changes the excitation state (control that causes slight vibration) at predetermined intervals (448ms). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the player to recognize that, after some of the variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) have started to change, the display results of the variable display units that have not yet started to change (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) are the display results derived as part of the performance.

[0100] (Form 24-17) In a slot machine of type 24, In the second stop state (after simulated gameplay), if the timing for starting a change occurs while control is being performed to change the excitation state (control to cause slight vibration), the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) will start changing without waiting for the control to change the excitation state (control to cause slight vibration) to finish. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) to start changing as quickly as possible when it's time to begin the change.

[0101] (Form 24-18) In a slot machine of type 24, In the second stopped state (after simulated gameplay), if the timing for starting the variation occurs while the control to change the excitation state (control to cause slight vibration) is being performed, the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) will start varying after waiting for the control to change the excitation state (control to cause slight vibration) to finish. It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that when it is time to start the fluctuation, the control that changes the excitation state (control that causes slight vibrations) is completed before the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) begins to fluctuate. As a result, the movement at the start of the fluctuation does not appear unnatural.

[0102] [Form 25] (Form 25-1)

[0103] The slot machine of type 25 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 201) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates the output control unit (stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R control unit 8S) to derive the displayed result, It is provided so as to protrude toward the player, and includes a hand rest (control panel section 501) on which the player's hand can be placed, Equipped with, The aforementioned extraction operation unit is provided so that it can be pressed while the hand rest is placed on the hand rest, and the pressing operation direction (operation direction T1) is inclined downward toward the rear (see Figure 66). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the dispensing mechanism to be operated by pushing it downwards and backwards. This improves operability, as it allows users to either press downwards with their index or middle fingers while their hand is on the hand rest, or press backwards with their thumb without their hand on the hand rest.

[0104] (Form 25-2) In a slot machine of type 25, The pressing operation direction (operating direction T1) is inclined at a predetermined angle (60 degrees) with respect to the horizontal plane, and the predetermined angle is 45 degrees or more. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easier to apply downward pressure with your index finger, middle finger, etc., while keeping your hand on the hand rest.

[0105] [Form 26] (Form 26-1) The slot machine of type 26 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 201) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates the output control unit (stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R control unit 8S) to derive the displayed result, The installation base (protruding portion 510) on which the aforementioned extraction operation unit is installed, It is provided so as to protrude toward the player, and includes a hand rest (control panel section 501) on which the player's hand can be placed, Equipped with, The mounting base is provided so as to protrude upward from a predetermined location on the hand rest portion. The aforementioned dispensing operation section faces a hole (button hole 511), and a front wall (front wall 510a) that slopes upward toward the rear, It has a rear wall (rear wall 510b) that slopes forward and upward (see Figure 66). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the mounting base of the extraction operation unit is formed in a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the side, with the front and rear walls inclined to be close together upwards. This allows the mounting base to be pressed from above as if being grasped with fingers, thus improving operability.

[0106] (Form 26-2) In a slot machine of type 26, A mounting section (recess 530) on which an article can be placed is provided behind the mounting base (projection 510). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows items to be placed in a location that does not affect the operation of the dispensing mechanism.

[0107] [Form 27] (Form 27-1) The slot machine of type 27 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 201) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The player operates the output control unit (stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R control unit 8S) to derive the displayed result, The installation base (protruding portion 510) on which the aforementioned extraction operation unit is installed, It is provided so as to protrude toward the player, and includes a hand rest (control panel section 501) on which the player's hand can be placed, Equipped with, The mounting base is provided so as to protrude upward from a predetermined location on the hand rest portion. A concave space (a space formed by the groove 520) is provided on the rear side of the mounting base (see Figure 66). It is characterized by the following. This feature provides a space at the rear of the mounting base for the extraction operation unit, allowing the user to insert their hand behind the base and press on the base from above with their fingers, thus improving operability.

[0108] [Form 28] (Form 28-1) The slot machine of type 28 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 201) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, It is provided so as to protrude toward the player, and includes a hand rest (control panel section 501) on which the player's hand can be placed, A control unit for performances (control unit 57S for the performance switch 57) that is operated in relation to the performance, Equipped with, The aforementioned control unit for performance is located approximately in the center of the hand rest (see Figure 65). It is characterized by the following. This feature improves usability because the control panel for performances is positioned in a way that makes it easy to operate whether you place your right or left hand on the hand rest.

[0109] (Form 28-2) In a slot machine of type 28, The hand rest section (control panel section 501) has a hole (button hole 551) that faces the performance operation section (operation section 57S of the performance switch 57), The aforementioned control unit for performance is provided such that, in the operation standby state, the operating surface (operating surface 57a) and the upper surface of the hand rest (control panel section 501) are substantially flush (see Figure 69). It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents accidental operation caused by snagging.

[0110] (Form 28-3) In a slot machine of type 28, The periphery of the aforementioned performance control unit (operation unit 57S of the performance switch 57) has an inclined surface (inclined surface 57c) that slopes downward toward the outside (see Figure 69). It is characterized by the following. This feature, with its chamfered edges, prevents accidental operation due to snagging.

[0111] [Form 29] (Form 29-1) Slot machines of type 29 are, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 201) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, The game includes a start operation unit (start switch 7L, 7R operation unit 7S) which the player operates to start the variable display unit, It is provided so as to protrude toward the player, and includes a hand rest (control panel section 501) on which the player's hand can be placed, Equipped with, The start operation unit is provided such that its operating surface (operating surface 7a), which is formed in a substantially flat shape, is substantially parallel to the upper surface (upper surface 501a) of the hand rest (see Figures 68 and 71). It is characterized by the following. This feature improves usability by making it easier to operate the start control unit with the hand resting on the hand rest. (Form 29-2) In a slot machine of type 29, The start operation unit (operation unit 7S for start switches 7L and 7R) is provided such that its operating surface (operating surface 7a) forms part of the upper surface (upper surface 501a) of the hand rest unit (control panel unit 501). It is characterized by the following. This feature improves the aesthetic appeal of the armrest area. (Form 29-3) In a slot machine of type 29, On the upper surface (upper surface 501a) of the hand rest (control panel 501), an inclined surface (inclined surface 553) is formed on the side adjacent to the start operation section (operation section 7S for start switches 7L and 7R) that slopes downward toward the start operation section (see Figure 69). It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents accidental operation caused by snagging.

[0112] [Form 25~29] (Form 25~29-1) In slot machines of type 25-29, The hand rest (control panel 501) is located below the vertical center of the casing (casing 1a) of the slot machine (slot machine 201) (see Figure 59). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows players to rest their hands on the hand rest without raising their elbows, enabling them to play in a comfortable posture.

[0113] (Form 25~29-2) In slot machines of type 25-29, It has a derivation operation section (operation section 8S for stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R) that the player operates to derive the displayed result, Multiple lead-out operation units are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the distance between adjacent lead-out operation units (distance L33) is approximately half the left-right dimension (diameter L32) of the lead-out operation unit (see Figure 67(b)). It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents accidental pressing of adjacent output controls while allowing multiple output controls to be operated in a shorter time.

[0114] (Form 25~29-3) In slot machines of type 25-29, It has a derivation operation section (operation section 8S for stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R) that the player operates to derive the displayed result, The aforementioned derivation operation unit is located on the rear side of the hand rest (control panel 501) (see Figure 65). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the derivation operation unit to be operated from a position closer to the variable display unit.

[0115] (Form 25~29-4) In slot machines of type 25-29, The player operates the output control unit (stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R control unit 8S) to derive the displayed result, A betting amount setting operation unit (operation unit 6S for MAXBET switch 6) for setting the bet amount, The player operates a start operation unit (start switch 7L, 7R operation unit 7S) to start the variable display on the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), It has, The betting amount setting operation unit, the start operation unit, and the derivation operation unit are located in positions that can be operated within the range of the left-right dimension (left-right dimension L21) of the variable display unit (see Figure 62). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the controls for starting the game to be consolidated, enabling a smooth execution of the entire sequence of operations.

[0116] (Form 25~29-5) In slot machines of type 25-29, The slot machine (slot machine 201) includes an upper panel section (upper panel section 502) that extends upward from the casing (casing 1a) of the slot machine (see Figures 54 and 59). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows various types of information to be displayed on the upper panel.

[0117] (Form 25~29-6) In slot machines of type 25-29-5, The upper panel portion (upper panel portion 502) is inclined forward toward the upward direction (see Figures 54 and 59). It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to avoid interference with game-related information display devices installed on the gaming island when the machine is installed on the gaming island.

[0118] (Form 25~29-7) In slot machines of type 25-29-5, The upper panel (upper panel 502) is capable of displaying the same or similar types of game-related information as the information displayed on the game-related information display devices (game-related information display devices 902, 903) installed on the game island (game island 900) (see Figure 78). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows game-related information to be provided to players even if the upper panel obscures the game-related information display device installed on the game island.

[0119] (Form 25~29-7) In slot machines of type 25-29, The slot machine (slot machine 201) is provided with side lamp sections (front side lamp sections 503L, 503R and rear side lamp sections 504L, 504R) on both the left and right sides, capable of emitting light to the sides (see Figures 55 and 76). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the game to appeal to customers other than players.

[0120] (Form 25~29-8) In slot machines of type 25-29, Below the hand rest (control panel 501), a foldable storage area (storage platform 750) capable of accommodating luggage is provided (see Figure 79). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows you to store luggage and other items in inconspicuous places.

[0121] (Form 25~29-9) In slot machines of type 25-29, An operation detection sensor (touch sensor 42) capable of detecting player operations is provided around the variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) (see Figure 77(A)). It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easy to perform special effects and other related tasks.

[0122] (Form 25~29-10) In slot machines of type 25-29, A betting amount setting operation unit (operation unit 6S for MAXBET switch 6) for setting the bet amount, The game includes a start operation unit (start switch 7L, 7R operation unit 7S) which the player operates to start the variable display unit, It has, The system is configured such that an operation of the bet setting unit is detected at a first timing during a predetermined operation period, and an operation of the start unit is detected at a second timing that occurs after the first timing (see Figure 80). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the game to be started with a single operation. [Examples]

[0123] [Slot machine configuration] Embodiment 1 of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view of the card unit as an external connection device and the slot machine as a gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0124] Referring to Figure 1, each of the multiple gaming islands (not shown) located within the gaming hall is fitted with a slot machine 1, and a card unit (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CU) 3, an example of a gaming device, is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the slot machine 1 at a predetermined lateral position on the side of the slot machine 1. The card unit is also referred to as a "gaming token dispensing device."

[0125] Slot machine 1 is a slot machine in which the player does not pick up tokens and insert them into a slot, nor are tokens dispensed to the player. Therefore, the value of the game is directly added to the credits (game points that can be used in the game (hereinafter also referred to as "game tokens" or simply "tokens")) in accordance with operations such as dispensing tokens.

[0126] Furthermore, unlike conventional slot machines, it not only lacks a coin slot and payout opening, but it also does not require devices to control inserted coins, such as coin selectors or hoppers. Slot machines that do not require any coins are called "managed gaming machines" or "coinless slot machines."

[0127] Figure 1 shows slot machine 1 as viewed from the front. Inside slot machine 1, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as the left reel, middle reel, and right reel) are arranged horizontally, with multiple types of symbols arranged around their outer edges. Three consecutive symbols from these reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are positioned so that they can be seen through the transparent window 3W.

[0128] Each reel, 2L, 2C, and 2R, is rotated by corresponding reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, as shown in Figure 2. As a result, the patterns on each reel, 2L, 2C, and 2R, are displayed in the transparent window 3W in a continuously changing manner. Furthermore, by stopping the rotation of each reel, 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive patterns are derived and displayed as the result in the transparent window 3W.

[0129] Inside reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, there is a reel LED 55, as shown in Figure 2. The reel LED 55 illuminates reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, as shown in Figure 1, from the back. The reel LED 55 consists of 12 LEDs corresponding to the three consecutive patterns on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and each pattern can be illuminated independently.

[0130] The display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 51 is located on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. The liquid crystal display 51 is configured so that each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R can be seen from the player's side through the transparent area and the transparent window 3W corresponding to the transparent window 3W of the display area.

[0131] Each reel contains multiple types of recognizable symbols arranged in a predetermined order.

[0132] The protruding portion 95 protrudes toward the front of the slot machine 1. The protruding portion 95 has an upper surface 96 formed upon it. The upper surface 96 of the protruding portion 95 is equipped with a MAXBET switch 6, a 1BET switch 20, a bet count clear switch 21, a performance switch 57, a credit indicator 11, and a game information display unit 90. The front side of the protruding portion 95 is equipped with a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and a counting button 10. The credit indicator 11 displays the number of credits held by the player. The upper surface 96 may also be a sloping surface that gently inclines from the back to the front, starting from a position below the transparent window 3W.

[0133] The start switch 7 is used to start the reels spinning after the bet amount has been set. The stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are used to stop the reels while they are spinning, with 8L corresponding to the left reel, 8C to the middle reel, and 8R to the right reel. The counting button 10 is used to count the number of credits (game tokens) and convert them into the number of tokens held.

[0134] Inside the front door of slot machine 1 is a door open detection switch 25, as shown in Figure 2. The door open detection switch 25 detects the open state of the front door. Furthermore, a power supply box is provided inside the casing. On the front of the power supply box are a setting key switch 37 and a reset / setting switch 38, as shown in Figure 2. The setting key switch 37 is operated when switching to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. The reset / setting switch 38 normally functions as a reset switch to clear the error state or stop state, and in the setting change state, it functions as a setting switch to change the setting value of the winning probability (payout rate) of the internal lottery. Inside the front door of slot machine 1 is a setting value display 24, as shown in Figure 2.

[0135] In this embodiment, of the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that start rotating, the first reel to stop is referred to as the first stop reel, and that stop is referred to as the first stop. Similarly, the second reel to stop is referred to as the second stop reel, and that stop is referred to as the second stop. The third reel to stop is referred to as the third stop reel, and that stop is referred to as the third stop, final stop, or all reels stop.

[0136] Next, we will explain the game flow in slot machine 1. When playing a game in slot machine 1, first, you perform a dispensing operation at CU3 to secure credits (game tokens). This dispensing operation corresponds to the two-step operation in conventional token-paying slot machines: "dispensing tokens" and "manually inserting the dispensed tokens into the slot."

[0137] When the MAXBET switch 6 is operated while credits are available, the number of bets is increased to a predetermined amount within the credit limit, and the number of credits is reduced by that amount. Once the predetermined number of bets is set, the winning line L becomes active, and the START switch 7 becomes active, meaning the game can be started.

[0138] Here, the winning line is a line set up to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed in the transparent window 3W of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the winning line L is defined as the winning line, which spans the symbols arranged on the lower row of reel 2L, the middle row of reel 2C, and the lower row of reel 2R.

[0139] When the game is ready to start, operating the start switch 7 causes reels 2L, 2C, and 2R to rotate, and the symbols on each reel change continuously. In this state, operating any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, or 8R stops the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and the display result is shown in the transparent window 3W.

[0140] In stop control, when each stop switch is operated, control is performed to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, and 2R within the maximum stop delay time (190 ms in this embodiment) from the time the operation is performed. During the maximum stop delay time (190 ms) until the end of this period, up to four frames of symbols can be retracted. In other words, in stop control, when stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, it is possible to select one symbol from the symbols currently displayed and the symbols up to four frames ahead, for a total of five frames (retraction range), and lead it to reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

[0141] As a result, in stop control, when the rotation is stopped by operating the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R, if the symbols constituting a winning combination that have been won in the internal lottery (described later) are within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames ahead of the symbol at the time the stop switch is operated, then those symbols are pulled onto the winning line LN, and the rotation of the reel whose stop switch has been operated is stopped. On the other hand, if the symbols constituting a winning combination that have been won in the internal lottery are not within that pull-in range, then symbols that do not constitute any winning combination are pulled onto the winning line LN, so that symbols that do not constitute a winning combination that have not been won in the internal lottery do not stop on the winning line LN, and the rotation of the reel whose stop switch has been operated is stopped.

[0142] Furthermore, in the stop control, if a special role (BB in this embodiment) that involves a transition in the game state is carried over, and a minor role that awards medals is won in the internal lottery, resulting in a situation where both a special role and a minor role are won simultaneously, the control is set to prioritize pulling the winning minor role's constituent symbols into the winning line LN within the aforementioned pull-in range. If it is not possible to pull the winning minor role's constituent symbols into the winning line LN, the control is set to pull the winning special role's constituent symbols into the winning line LN. As a result, in games where both a special role and a minor role are won simultaneously, it becomes difficult to award the winning special role.

[0143] Furthermore, in the stop control, if a special role (BB in this embodiment) is carried over, and a re-play role that grants a re-play is won through internal lottery, and both a special role and a re-play role are won simultaneously, the symbols that make up the won re-play role are prioritized and pulled into the winning line LN. The symbols that make up the re-play role on each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R are arranged within a predetermined pull-in range, and when a re-play role is won, the symbols that make up the re-play role are always pulled into the winning line LN. For this reason, in games where both a special role and a re-play role are won simultaneously, the won special role cannot be awarded.

[0144] A game ends when all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop. A win occurs if a predetermined combination of symbols stops on the winning line L as the display result for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. When a win occurs, the player is awarded a predetermined number of medals according to the win. The awarded number of medals is added to the credit. In addition, if a re-play bonus is won, the player is granted a re-play that allows them to continue playing without inserting any more medals. Furthermore, if a special bonus is won, the game state will change to another game state.

[0145] In this embodiment, the game starts when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected while the start switch 7 is enabled, and ends when all reels have stopped. Furthermore, one unit of control for executing the game (game control) starts when all controls associated with the end of the previous game are completed, and ends when all controls associated with the end of the current game are completed.

[0146] Credits can be counted and converted into tokens by operating the counting button 10. By converting them to tokens, it becomes possible to record those tokens on a card at the end of the game.

[0147] In this embodiment, if the counting button 10 is pressed briefly (less than 500ms), one credit is converted into a medal. If it is pressed and held for a long time (500ms to less than 4000ms), the process of converting 50 credits into medals is repeated every 500ms. Furthermore, if the long press is continued (4000ms or more), the remaining credits are converted into medals. However, the system is not limited to this; it is also possible to have the counting button 10 converted into medals up to the credit limit when pressed once, or to have all credits converted into medals when pressed once.

[0148] Furthermore, the counting button 10 has a built-in counting LED 10a (see Figure 2), which lights up blue when the counting button 10 is in operation and turns off when the counting button 10 is inactive.

[0149] The top of the LCD display 51 is provided with a credit display segment 58 and speakers 53 and 54. The credit display segment 58 is made up of five 7 segments and displays the number of credits the player possesses. Because the credit display segment 58 is located at the top of the slot machine 1, it can display the number of credits stored by the slot machine 1 to players other than the player playing the slot machine 1, or to store staff. The speakers 53 and 54 emit sound effects and other sounds that correspond to the game's presentation.

[0150] As described above, the MAXBET switch 6 is used to set the number of bets to a predetermined number. In other words, the MAXBET switch 6 is used to advance the game. In addition, in this embodiment, the MAXBET switch 6 is also used for visual effects. That is, when the same operation is performed on the MAXBET switch 6, the process executed changes depending on whether the operation is valid or invalid. Thus, the MAXBET switch 6 is used for both game progression and visual effects.

[0151] The following explains how to enable and disable the MAXBET switch 6. Activating the MAXBET switch 6 is an operation performed on the MAXBET switch 6 in a betting-setting situation where the number of bets can be set. A betting-setting situation is, for example, a period during which bets can be accepted, where "there is 1 or more credits remaining and the bet number is less than a specified number (e.g., 3)" or "there is 1 or more credits remaining and no bets have been set." When the MAXBET switch is operated in the situation where "there is 1 or more credits remaining and the BET counter has a bet number less than a specified number," the number of bets will be set up to the specified number, equal to the remaining credits. When the MAXBET switch is operated in the situation where "there is 1 or more credits remaining and no bets have been set," the number of bets will be set up to the specified number, equal to the remaining credits. Thus, the MAXBET switch 6 is used as a switch for the progress of the game, enabling the setting of bets when activated in a betting-setting situation.

[0152] On the other hand, an invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is an operation performed on the MAXBET switch 6 in a situation where it is not possible to set the number of bets. The situation where it is not possible to set the number of bets includes "the period from when the game starts until it ends." That is, during the period when the reels are spinning and the game is in progress, any operation on the MAXBET switch 6 is an invalid operation. In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 may display an operation prompting the player to invalidate the MAXBET switch 6 during the period when the reels are spinning. At this time, when the player invalidates the MAXBET switch 6, an effect is triggered that displays an image suggesting the degree of advantage. Thus, in this embodiment, the MAXBET switch 6 is used as a trigger to display an effect image when it is invalidated in a situation where it is not possible to set the number of bets. In other words, the MAXBET switch 6 is used for the progress of the game during the period when it is accepted as an effective operation, and is used for effect during the period when it is accepted as an invalid operation.

[0153] [Card Unit Composition] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of CU3 in this embodiment will be explained. This CU3 accepts visitor cards (also called general cards), which are prepaid gaming storage media issued to general players who have not registered as members, and membership cards, which are gaming storage media issued to member players who have registered as members at the gaming facility. Visitor cards and membership cards are made of IC cards.

[0154] Upon receiving these cards, the CU3 has the function of converting the game value owned by the player (for example, prepaid balance, number of tokens held, or number of stored tokens (also called "stored tokens")) identified by the information stored on the card into credits (number of game tokens).

[0155] The front side of the CU3 is provided with a banknote slot 302 for inserting banknotes, a protruding portion 305 that extends forward from the front of the device, and a card insertion / discharge slot 309 for inserting membership cards and visitor cards. Membership cards and visitor cards inserted into this card insertion / discharge slot 309 are received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

[0156] In the aforementioned protruding section 305, the side facing the player is provided with a display unit 312, a replay button 319 for performing a replay game using the member card ID (also simply called card ID or C-ID) recorded on the member card and the number of stored tokens (stored balls) identified by the member card ID when a member card is accepted, and an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives infrared signals from a remote control (not shown) held by the staff of the gaming hall, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

[0157] The display unit 312 can display the prepaid balance (also called the card balance or simply the balance) recorded on the inserted game recording medium (card), the number of tokens held, the number of credits (number of game tokens), and various other information, and its surface is made of a transparent touch panel. Various operations can be input by touching the various display items displayed on the display part of the display unit 312 with a finger.

[0158] When the "Hold Tokens" button 324 is operated, a portion of the number of tokens recorded on the inserted card is deducted and converted into credits (game tokens). When the "Replay" button 319 is operated, if the inserted card has a record of the number of tokens the player has acquired, a portion of that number is deducted and converted into credits, and the player can then play slot machine 1 based on the converted credits.

[0159] On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of tokens held is not stored in it, and the stored tokens are stored in the hall's management computer, then a portion of those stored tokens will be withdrawn and converted into credits, allowing the player to play on slot machine 1. In other words, if both stored tokens and held tokens are stored in association with the inserted card, the held tokens will be withdrawn preferentially. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated token payout button for withdrawing held tokens may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be used exclusively for withdrawing stored tokens.

[0160] Here, "Credits (Number of Game Tokens)" is data that can be used to set the bet amount and can also be converted to "Number of Tokens Held." "Credits" are generated in exchange for deducting the balance from a prepaid card, the number of tokens held, or the number of stored tokens.

[0161] "Number of tokens held" refers to the number of credits (number of tokens played) acquired by a player as a result of playing on a slot machine. This "number of tokens held" is stored in a identifiable way using the player's card. Alternatively, the number of tokens held may be managed using a token management device set up in the arcade.

[0162] "Stored medals (stored tokens)" refers to the number of medals a player has deposited at the arcade. The number of medals a player earns through gameplay is managed as their "held medals" for the day, but from the following day onward, it is managed as "stored medals." In other words, the number of credits (game medals) earned and counted by a player at the arcade on a given day is called their "points," while the number of medals earned by a player on a previous day and deposited at the arcade is called their "stored medals." This "stored medal count" is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed at the arcade.

[0163] If we represent the conversion directions of the above data, "Balance," "Number of Stored Medals (Number of Stored Balls)," "Number of Medals Held," and "Number of Credits (Number of Playing Medals)," with arrows, it becomes "'Balance, Number of Stored Medals, Number of Medals Held' → 'Number of Credits' → 'Number of Medals Held' → 'Number of Stored Medals'."

[0164] In this embodiment, the number of stored tokens is not directly recorded on the member card, but is stored in a higher-level server such as a hall management computer, associated with the member card number, and the system is configured to allow retrieval of the corresponding number of stored tokens based on the member card number. On the other hand, the number of tokens held is directly recorded on the card.

[0165] However, both methods allow the card number to be associated with and stored on the higher-level server. In the case of visitor cards, the number of medals held is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the number of medals held can also be associated with and stored on the higher-level server. When this association with the card number is stored on the higher-level server, data that identifies the time the information was stored on the higher-level server may be written to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. Also, the prepaid balance is written directly to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed.

[0166] The timing for storing the number of medals held on the card (member card, visitor card) or in the higher-level server is, for example, when the counting button 10 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead, the number could be stored all at once when the card is returned.

[0167] Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns their card from the CU3, the tokens they had stored in the CU3 are temporarily stored as tokens in the hall server. When the player inserts the card into the same or a different CU3 again on the same day they received the card back, only the tokens they had for that day, which were temporarily stored as tokens, are stored again in that CU3. Credits are then added within the range of those tokens, allowing the player to continue playing.

[0168] Banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 302 are taken in by a currency identifier (not shown) and their authenticity and type are identified.

[0169] On the front of the CU3, there are also a dispensing button 321 and a card return button 322. The dispensing button 321 is a button used to deduct the balance recorded on the inserted card and obtain the number of credits. Specifically, the number of credits is increased according to the balance deducted by operating the dispensing button 321. The card return button 322 is operated when the player finishes playing and is a button used to store the final number of tokens held at the end of the game (number of tokens held when the card was inserted - number of tokens converted to credits + number counted by the counting operation) on the inserted card and eject it.

[0170] As explained above, with the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the number of tokens held, as identified by the card, is converted into the number of credits (number of game tokens), and furthermore, the number of bets can be set using the number of credits. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new type of slot machine (managed game machine) that does not use tokens, without confusing players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines in which players receive tokens, insert those tokens to secure credits, and then use those credits to set the bets.

[0171] [Internal configuration of the card unit and slot machine] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and the slot machine. Referring to Figure 2, the schematic of the control circuit between the card unit 3 and the slot machine 1 will be explained.

[0172] CU3 is equipped with a CU control board 32, which in turn is equipped with a CU control unit 323 consisting of a microcomputer and the like. This CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of CU3 and is equipped with a CPU as the control center, ROM that stores programs and control data for the CPU to operate, RAM that functions as the CPU's work area, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0173] The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal (not shown) for communicating with the hall management computer and the hall server that performs security management. The CU 3 transmits its status and the gaming machine status information received from the slot machine 1 to an external device such as the hall management computer and the hall server that performs security management via the external output terminal. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the medal count control unit 171 of the slot machine 1 via the communication control IC 325. The communication control IC 325 and the medal count control unit 171 are connected, for example, by an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the communication control IC 325 and the medal count control unit 171 is performed via the connection terminal board 1000.

[0174] Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the medal count control unit 171 is bidirectional, exchanging loan information (information regarding the operation to withdraw the balance stored on the inserted card and use it for gameplay on the slot machine 1) and loan response information (response information to the loan information). Other counting information (information regarding the counting process from credit to held medals) and game machine information are communicated unidirectionally from the medal count control unit 171 to the CU control unit 323. Therefore, the slot machine 1 does not know whether the CU3 has received the counting information and game machine information. The CU3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the slot machine 1, and the slot machine 1 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the CU3. These connection parts are composed of, for example, connectors.

[0175] The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's tokens while the player is playing. The display unit 312 displays images corresponding to data such as the balance or number of tokens output from the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the touch panel on the surface of the display unit 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the dispensing button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the dispensing button 321 is not limited to being installed on the CU3, but may also be installed on the slot machine 1 and the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

[0176] Slot machine 1 is equipped with a main control unit 161 that controls the progress of the game, a medal count control unit 171 that controls the credits owned by the player, an effect control unit 151 that controls the effects according to the game state, and a power supply board 101. The power supply board 101 generates the power to drive the electrical components that make up slot machine 1 and supplies it to each part.

[0177] The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC100V power from an external source, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electrical components that make up the slot machine 1 is generated from this AC100V power supply and supplied to the main control unit 161 and medal count control unit 171 mounted on the main control board 16, and the performance control unit 151 mounted on the performance control board 15.

[0178] The medal count control unit 171 mounted on the main control board 16 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 171a as the control center, a ROM 171b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 171a, a RAM 171c that functions as the work area for the CPU 171a, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0179] The main control board 16 is connected to a RAM clear switch 293 for erasing information stored in RAM 171c and a door open detection switch 25. Detection signals from these connected switches are input to the medal count control unit 171. In addition, a counting button 10 is connected to the main control board 16, and detection signals from the counting button 10 are input to the medal count control unit 171.

[0180] A credit indicator 11 is connected to the main control board 16, and its display is controlled by the medal count control unit 171. Additionally, a counting LED 10a is connected to the main control board 16, and its illumination is controlled by the medal count control unit 171.

[0181] Furthermore, the main control board 16 is supplied with backup power from the power supply board 101, and the data stored in the RAM 171c of the medal count control unit 171 is retained as long as backup power is supplied even after a power outage.

[0182] The main control unit 161 mounted on the main control board 16 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 161a as the control center, a ROM 161b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 161a, a RAM 161c that functions as the work area for the CPU 161a, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0183] The main control board 16 is connected to reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, which are driven based on the control of the main control unit 161. The main control board 16 is also connected to reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R, a setting key switch 37, a reset / setting switch 38, and a start switch 7, and the detection signals from these connected switches are input to the main control unit 161. In addition, the main control board 16 is connected to a game assistance display 12, a setting value display 24, and a payout ratio monitor 89, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161.

[0184] Furthermore, the main control board 16 is connected to the bet count clear switch 21, the 1BET switch 20, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the door open detection switch 25, and the MAXBET switch 6 via the relay board 1100, and the detection signals from these connected switches are input to the main control unit 161. In addition, the main control board 16 is connected to the 1-3BET LEDs 14-16 via the relay board 1100, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161. If the main control unit 161 detects that the MAXBET switch 6 has been operated during the period for accepting invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6, it sends an operation command to the performance control unit 151 indicating that the MAXBET switch 6 has been invalidated.

[0185] The payout ratio monitor 89 typically displays numerical values ​​that indicate the performance of the slot machine (hereinafter also referred to as "payout ratio information").

[0186] The main control unit 161 displays the following on the payout ratio monitor 89 in the order of (1) to (6): (1) the payout ratio of instructed bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts, (2) the payout ratio of consecutive bonus items over the past 6000 games, (3) the payout ratio of bonus items over the past 6000 games, (4) the payout ratio of consecutive bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts, (5) the payout ratio of bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts, and (6) the payout status ratio of bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts. Hereafter, the information shown in (1) to (6) may be referred to as the display content.

[0187] The bonus payout ratio indicates the ratio of payouts during special games (bonus payouts) to the total payouts during a predetermined period. The consecutive bonus payout ratio indicates the ratio of payouts during special game states (states where special games occur consecutively (such as BB state)) to the total payouts during a predetermined period (consecutive bonus payouts). The bonus payout ratio including instructions indicates the ratio of bonus payouts to total payouts when payouts during instructions (navigation that suggests a stop operation advantageous to the player) are included in the bonus payouts. In other words, it is the ratio of the cumulative number of medals paid out when navigation notifications are made and the cumulative number of medals paid out during special games to the total cumulative number of medals paid out. The bonus state ratio indicates the ratio of the number of games controlled by special games to the number of games played during a predetermined period.

[0188] When the main control unit 161 switches and displays the display content at predetermined intervals in the display order (1) to (6) described above, even if the game progresses and these values ​​could be updated to new values ​​within a period until each display cycle is completed, it restricts updating to new values ​​and completes the display cycle using the original values.

[0189] In this embodiment, the display of the payout ratio monitor 89 is controlled by the main control unit 161, but it is also possible to configure the display of the payout ratio monitor 89 to be controlled by the medal count control unit 171.

[0190] The performance control unit 151 mounted on the performance control board 15 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 151a as the control center, a ROM 151b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 151a, a RAM 151c that functions as the work area of ​​the CPU 151a, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0191] The performance control board 15 is connected to a performance switch 57, and the detection signal from the performance switch 57 is input to the performance control unit 151. In addition, the performance control board 15 is connected to performance devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, performance effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, reel LEDs 55, and credit display segments 58, and these performance devices are driven based on the control of the performance control unit 151.

[0192] Furthermore, a light intensity / volume adjustment board 111 is connected to the performance control board 15. Switches for adjusting the light intensity and volume are connected to the light intensity / volume adjustment board 111, and detection signals from these switches are input to the performance control unit 151 mounted on the performance control board 15 via the light intensity / volume adjustment board 111.

[0193] The main control unit 161 transmits various commands to the performance control unit 151. Commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151 are sent in only one direction; no commands are sent from the performance control unit 151 to the main control unit 161. The performance control unit 151 receives the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 and performs various controls for the performance.

[0194] The medal count control unit 171 sends various commands to the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 also sends various commands to the medal count control unit 171. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 171 and the main control unit 161 is bidirectional.

[0195] Furthermore, the medal count control unit 171 stores the credits in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 171c. Specifically, the number of credits is stored in the credit counter. The medal count control unit 171 updates the credits stored in the credit counter during credit addition or subtraction processing. The number of credits stored in the credit counter is displayed on the credit display unit 11.

[0196] The set number of bets is stored in a designated area of ​​RAM161c. Specifically, the set number of bets is stored as a BET counter. When the value stored in the BET counter is a specified number, the game can be started. Hereafter, the value stored in the BET counter may be simply referred to as the "number of bets".

[0197] As described above, a medalless slot machine that does not require tokens is equipped with a token count control unit 171. The functions related to token insertion and dispensing in conventional slot machines are concentrated in the token count control unit 171. Furthermore, while conventional slot machines that require tokens need to be equipped with devices related to token insertion and dispensing, such as a token selector and hopper, such devices are unnecessary in a medalless slot machine.

[0198] Furthermore, by configuring a coinless slot machine as in this embodiment, it is possible to share parts with conventional slot machines. Specifically, since the function of updating credits (functions related to inserting and dispensing medals) is concentrated in the medal count control unit 171, a conventional slot machine can be configured by replacing the medal count control unit 171 of the coinless slot machine. When configuring a conventional slot machine, the medal count control unit 171 should be equipped with functions related to inserting and dispensing medals, and devices related to inserting and dispensing medals, such as medal selectors and hoppers, should be connected to the medal count control unit 171. With this configuration, compatibility with conventional slot machines is achieved, and costs can be reduced in the design and manufacture of slot machines through the sharing of parts.

[0199] In this embodiment, a coinless slot machine is used as the gaming machine, but a conventional slot machine equipped with devices related to coin insertion and dispensing, such as a coin selector and hopper, may also be used as the gaming machine. In this case, the coin count control unit 171 may be omitted, and the main control unit 161 may be used to manage credits, detect inserted coins, and control coin dispensing.

[0200] [About the functions of slot machines] The slot machine 1 in this embodiment is configured such that the payout rate of medals changes according to the set value. More specifically, the payout rate of medals changes by using a winning probability according to the set value in a lottery that affects the degree of advantage for the player, such as an internal lottery. The set value consists of six levels from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest payout rate, and the payout rate decreasing in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 as the value decreases. In other words, when the set value is 6, it is the most advantageous for the player, and the advantage decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 as the value decreases.

[0201] To change the setting value, the setting key switch 37 must be turned ON before turning on the power to the slot machine 1. When the setting key switch 37 is turned ON and the power is turned ON, the setting value read from RAM 161c is displayed on the setting value display 24, and the machine transitions to a setting change state where the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38. In the setting change state, when the reset / setting switch 38 is operated, the displayed value on the setting value display 24 is updated by 1 (if it is operated further from setting value 6, it returns to setting value 1). Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the displayed value is confirmed as the setting value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned OFF, the confirmed displayed value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161, and the machine transitions to a state where the game can proceed. In addition, the main control unit 161 initializes the game-related data stored in RAM 161c when the setting value is changed.

[0202] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the types of winning combinations (hereinafter referred to as "winning combinations") are determined according to the game state and include minor combinations that result in the payout of medals, re-play combinations that grant the ability to start the next game without needing to set the number of bets, and special combinations that result in a transition in the game state. Hereafter, minor combinations and re-play combinations will be collectively referred to as general combinations. In order for each combination determined according to the game state to result in a win, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag for that combination. The internal lottery is performed by the main control unit 161, which uses random numbers to determine whether or not to allow the winning of each of the aforementioned combinations before the display results of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived (specifically, when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected with a predetermined number of bets set).

[0203] Of the winning flags for each role, the winning flags for minor roles and replay roles are valid only in the game in which the flag is set and become invalid in the next game. However, the winning flag for special roles remains valid until the combination of roles permitted by that flag is achieved, and becomes invalid in the game in which the permitted combination of roles is achieved. In other words, once a special role winning flag is triggered, even if the combination of roles permitted by that flag is not achieved, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game.

[0204] Furthermore, in the internal lottery, when the stopping operation is performed in a predetermined sequence of operations (e.g., button press order, timing), it is possible to win a small win or a re-play win (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "navigation target win") that is more advantageous than when the stopping operation is performed in other sequences of operations. Navigation target wins include, for example, wins where the stopping sequence is more advantageous when the stopping operation is performed in a predetermined sequence of operations than when the stopping operation is performed in other sequences of operations, and wins where the probability of stopping in an advantageous sequence is higher when the stopping operation is performed in a predetermined sequence of operations than when the stopping operation is performed in other sequences of operations. In addition, advantageous stopping sequences include not only stopping sequences that result in the awarding of medals, but also stopping sequences that result in a transition to an advantageous game state, and stopping sequences that avoid a transition to an unfavorable game state.

[0205] The main control unit 161 can control the game to an assist time (AT) state, which is a notification period during which navigation notifications can be executed, in which navigation information that identifies the operation patterns of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are advantageous to the player according to the results of an internal lottery is indicated by the lighting patterns of the game assistance display 12. The main control unit 161 starts controlling the game to an AT state when the player is granted the right to be controlled to an AT state. When the game is controlled to an AT state, if the player wins a target role, the main control unit 161 executes a navigation notification, informing the player of the operation patterns of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are advantageous to the player (e.g., order of pressing, timing of operation, etc.) using the game assistance display 12, and also sends a command that identifies the operation patterns that are advantageous to the player to the performance control unit 151, causing the performance to execute a navigation performance that announces the operation patterns using the liquid crystal display 51, etc. By operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R according to the operation patterns announced by the navigation notification and the navigation performance, the player can reliably win the target role that was won in the internal lottery.

[0206] In this embodiment, the main control unit 161 is equipped with a game assistance display 12 capable of displaying the number of medals dispensed, error codes, and navigation information, and the game assistance display 12 is used to notify navigation information in the control of navigation notification. However, it is also possible to have a dedicated display that can display only navigation information, and to use this dedicated display to notify navigation information in the control of navigation notification.

[0207] [Regarding the game state] The main control unit 161 can control the game state to one of the following: non-internal, internal, or special state.

[0208] During the non-internal state, no special winning combinations (BB) have been carried over. In the factory default state of slot machine 1, or when the game-related data stored in RAM161c has been initialized due to a setting change, the game is first controlled to the non-internal state. The game is also controlled to the non-internal state when the special state ends. The non-internal state ends when a special winning combination (BB) is won in the internal lottery during that non-internal game, and that special winning combination is not claimed, causing the game to transition back to the internal state. The non-internal state also ends when a special winning combination (BB) is claimed in the game in which it was won in the internal lottery, causing the game to transition back to the special state.

[0209] Furthermore, during non-internal operations, if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in a manner that is advantageous to the player during a predetermined period, the payout rate of medals per game during that period will exceed 100%. Conversely, if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are not operated in a manner that is advantageous to the player, the payout rate of medals per game during that period will not exceed 100%. During non-internal operations, if the operator is not notified of an operation manner that is advantageous to the player, the payout rate of medals per game will not exceed 100%.

[0210] During the internal phase, the winning of a special role (BB) is carried over. The game starts when a special role (BB) is won in the internal lottery during the non-internal phase.

[0211] Internally, during a game within a predetermined period, if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in a manner that is advantageous to the player, the payout rate of medals per game during that period will exceed 100%. Conversely, if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are not operated in a manner that is advantageous to the player, the payout rate of medals per game during that period will not exceed 100%. During periods when a player-advantaged operation is announced, the payout rate of medals per game will exceed 100%, while during periods when a player-advantaged operation is not announced, the payout rate of medals per game will not exceed 100%.

[0212] The special state is a game state controlled in conjunction with the winning of a special role (BB). It is started when a special role (BB) is won during non-internal mode and ends when a predetermined termination condition is met (for example, the total number of medals paid out during the special state exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 50 medals)). After the special state ends, the game returns to non-internal mode.

[0213] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a special role (BB) is won at a predetermined probability (for example, about 1 / 4.2) during the non-internal state, and the game transitions to the internal state. During the internal state, i.e., when the special role (BB) winning flag is carried over, if the game is not controlled to the AT state described later, the payout rate of medals per game does not exceed 100%, while if the game is controlled to the AT state, the payout rate of medals per game exceeds 100%.

[0214] Further, in reel stop control, when a special combination and a minor combination are won simultaneously, control is performed to preferentially align the minor combination. Furthermore, during the internal state, for all minor combinations subject to internal lottery, the pull-in range of the constituent symbols of the special combination (BB) overlaps with the pull-in range of the constituent symbols of the minor combination, so that no matter which minor combination is won, the constituent symbols of the won minor combination will stop on the winning line LN. Further, when a special combination and a replay combination are won simultaneously, control is performed to definitely align the replay combination. That is, when a minor combination or a replay combination is won during the internal state, the special combination (BB) is prevented from winning.

[0215] Further, during the internal state, one of the minor combinations or one of the replay combinations is definitely won, so once the state transitions to the internal state, the special combination (BB) is prevented from winning, and the internal state is maintained after transitioning to the internal state.

[0216] For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, most of the games are controlled in the internal state. Therefore, on the premise that the game is controlled in the internal state, whether to control to the AT during the internal state is determined such that the medal payout rate corresponding to the set value (1 to 6 in the present embodiment) becomes a value determined according to each set value. Specifically, the medal payout rate corresponding to the set value is set by setting the winning probability of internal lottery described later, the transition probability to the AT state, and the like.

[0217] Further, the main control unit 161 is capable of performing AT control for notifying the operation mode (correct pressing order) of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R that becomes advantageous by navigation notification during the internal state where the winning of the special combination (BB) is carried over, and is designed such that the medal payout rate becomes appropriate during the internal state.

[0218] [Regarding the combinations subject to internal lottery] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the following can be subject to internal drawing: a normal replay where winning of a normal replay accompanied by provision of a re-game is permitted, a rare replay where winning of a rare replay accompanied by provision of a re-game is permitted, 16 types of push order combinations where winning of a main minor combination accompanied by provision of 12 medals and a sub minor combination accompanied by provision of 1 medal is permitted, a rare minor combination A where winning of a rare minor combination A accompanied by provision of 1 medal is permitted, a rare minor combination B where winning of a rare minor combination B accompanied by provision of 3 medals is permitted, a rare minor combination C where winning of a rare minor combination C accompanied by provision of 3 medals is permitted, a rare minor combination D where winning of a rare minor combination D accompanied by provision of 6 medals is permitted, a 1-coin minor combination where winning of a 1-coin minor combination accompanied by provision of 1 medal is permitted, a BB where winning of a BB accompanied by transition to a special state is permitted, BB + rare minor combination A where winning of both BB and rare minor combination A is permitted, BB + rare minor combination B where winning of both BB and rare minor combination B is permitted, BB + rare minor combination C where winning of both BB and rare minor combination C is permitted, BB + rare minor combination D where winning of both BB and rare minor combination D is permitted, and BB + 1-coin minor combination where winning of both BB and the 1-coin minor combination is permitted.

[0219] In the non-internal state, normal replay, rare replay, 16 types of push order combinations, BB + rare minor combination A, BB + rare minor combination B, BB + rare minor combination C, BB + rare minor combination D, BB + 1-coin minor combination, and BB are subject to internal drawing. In the internal drawing during the non-internal state, the winning probability of normal replay is set to approximately 1 / 7.54, the winning probability of rare replay is set to approximately 1 / 228, the winning probability of push order combinations is set to approximately 1 / 1.59 (the winning probability for each combination is approximately 1 / 12.7), the winning probability of BB + rare minor combination A is set to 1 / 8192, the winning probability of BB + rare minor combination B is set to approximately 1 / 199, the winning probability of BB + rare minor combination C is set to approximately 1 / 60, the winning probability of BB + rare minor combination D is set to approximately 1 / 33, the winning probability of BB + 1-coin minor combination is set to approximately 1 / 5.46, and the winning probability of BB is set to 1 / 16384.

[0220] Further, during the internal period, normal replays, rare replays, 16 types of pressing order combinations, rare small combination A, rare small combination B, rare small combination C, rare small combination D, and 1-coin small combination are the objects of the internal lottery, and combinations including a special combination are not objects of the internal lottery. In the internal lottery during the internal period, the winning probability of a normal replay is set to about 1 / 7.53, the winning probability of a rare replay is about 1 / 228, the winning probability of each pressing order combination is about 1 / 1.59 (the winning probability of each individual is about 1 / 12.7), the winning probability of rare small combination A is 1 / 8192, the winning probability of rare small combination B is about 1 / 199, the winning probability of rare small combination C is about 1 / 60, the winning probability of rare small combination D is about 1 / 33, and the winning probability of the 1-coin small combination is set to about 1 / 5.46.

[0221] As described above, a pressing order combination is a combination in which a plurality of small combinations (in this embodiment, a main small combination and a sub small combination) are won. When a stopping operation is performed in the stopping operation order corresponding to each pressing order combination (any one of the operation orders of center-left-right, center-right-left, right-left-center, and right-center-left), the main small combination accompanied by the awarding of 12 medals wins regardless of the stopping operation timing. On the other hand, when a stopping operation is performed in a stopping operation order other than the corresponding stopping operation order, the sub small combination accompanied by the awarding of 1 medal wins depending on the stopping operation timing, or it becomes a miss where the sub small combination does not win, and it is a navigation-targeted combination. That is, it is a small combination in which the expected value of the number of medals awarded changes depending on the difference in the stopping operation order, and the expected value of the number of medals awarded changes when the stopping operation order corresponding to each pressing order combination is notified by navigation.

[0222] In this embodiment, only the middle reel or right reel is assigned as the stopping order for push-order small wins. Playing with the middle reel or right reel as the first stopping order increases the medal award rate. However, in the normal state, pre-announcement state, CZ1 state, and CZ2 state described later, this is disadvantageous in relation to the transition to the AT state. Therefore, the medal award rate considering the transition to the AT state is lower than when playing with the left reel as the first stopping order. Specifically, in the normal state and pre-announcement state described later, if the stopping order is performed with a reel other than the left reel as the first stopping order, the end game count described later will not be updated, and in the CZ1 state and CZ2 state described later, the AT lottery will not be performed. For this reason, in the normal state, pre-announcement state, CZ1 state, and CZ2 state described later, playing with the left reel as the first stopping order is encouraged.

[0223] Furthermore, winning numbers from 1 to 29 are assigned to each of the following: normal replay, rare replay, 16 types of button presses, rare small role A, rare small role B, rare small role C, rare small role D, 1-coin small role, BB + rare small role A, BB + rare small role B, BB + rare small role C, BB + rare role D, BB + 1-coin small role, and BB. The winning number of the role won in the internal lottery is set in RAM161c. Winning numbers are assigned values ​​of 1 or less to roles that do not transition to the advantageous section described later, and values ​​of 2 or more to roles that transition to the advantageous section. For this reason, the main control unit 161 does not identify the individual winning numbers to determine whether an advantageous section transition role has been won in the normal section, but rather determines whether the winning number is 2 or more, and if the winning number is 2 or more, it determines that an advantageous section transition role has been won.

[0224] Furthermore, each role that is subject to internal lottery is assigned a flag category (FC), and the flag category (FC) of the role that is won in the internal lottery is set in RAM161c. Flag categories (FC) are assigned common values ​​to roles that have common attributes, such as multiple types of push-order roles, multiple roles with similar winning probabilities, and roles that are won by the same role. Therefore, when the main control unit 161 performs the AT lottery described later, and determines the probability according to the winning role, it does not determine the probability according to the winning role from each individual winning number, but rather determines the probability according to the flag category (FC) assigned to the winning role. As a result, it is not necessary to determine the probability for each individual winning number, and it is possible to determine the probability according to the attributes of the winning role by determining the probability for each flag category (FC), which is fewer than the number of winning numbers.

[0225] [Regarding navigation announcements and navigation effects] The modes of navigation notification performed by the main control unit 161 and the modes of navigation presentation performed by the presentation control unit 151 will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0226] The main control unit 161 can perform navigation notifications that inform the player of a stop pattern advantageous to the player according to the target role that has been won in the internal lottery, by displaying a navigation display on the game assistance display unit 12 during a predetermined game in which navigation notification processing is performed (from when the reels start spinning until all reels stop spinning). In addition, the main control unit 161 can send a command to the performance control unit 151 at the start of a predetermined game in which navigation notification processing is performed, which includes a navigation number that can identify a stop pattern advantageous to the player.

[0227] In response to this, the performance control unit 151 can, in games where it is possible to identify a stopping pattern that is advantageous to the player based on a command received from the main control unit 161, perform a navigation display using the liquid crystal display 51 or the like to notify the player of the stopping pattern.

[0228] The main control unit 161 performs processing related to navigation notification, and in games where the navigation number is set to "1", it displays navigation display 1 (displaying "21" on the game support display unit 12) on the game support display unit 12, suggesting that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the middle-left-right stopping order. In games where the navigation number is set to "2", it displays navigation display 2 (displaying "23" on the game support display unit 12) on the game support display unit 12, suggesting that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the middle-right-left stopping order. In games where the navigation number is set to "3" and displayed on 12, the game assist display unit 12 displays navigation display 3 (displaying "31" on the game assist display unit 12) which suggests that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the order of right, left, and center stops. In games where the navigation number is set to "4", the game assist display unit 12 displays navigation display 4 (displaying "32" on the game assist display unit 12) which suggests that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the order of right, center, and left stops.

[0229] In response to this, the performance control unit 151 displays navigation image 1 on the liquid crystal display 51 in the event of a game in which navigation number "1" is identified based on a command received from the main control unit 161, indicating that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the middle-left-right stopping order; displays navigation image 2 on the liquid crystal display 51 in the event of a game in which navigation number "2" is identified, indicating that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the middle-right-left stopping order; displays navigation image 3 on the liquid crystal display 51 in the event of a game in which navigation number "3" is identified, indicating that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the right-left-right stopping order; and displays navigation image 4 on the liquid crystal display 51 in the event of a game in which navigation number "4" is identified, indicating that the most advantageous stopping pattern for the player is the right-center-left stopping order.

[0230] In this embodiment, the navigation notification is configured to notify the player of the stop operation order (correct pressing order) as an advantageous operation method for stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. However, the navigation notification may also be configured to suggest the advantageous operation timing for stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, or to suggest a combination of the advantageous stop operation order and operation timing for stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. For example, if the advantageous operation method for stop switches is a predetermined operation timing for a predetermined reel, the game assistance display 12 can display the number of the symbol corresponding to the predetermined operation timing along with the number of the predetermined reel, or the liquid crystal display 51 can display the image of the symbol corresponding to the predetermined operation timing at the position corresponding to the predetermined reel, thereby suggesting the operation method.

[0231] [Regarding the gaming area] As shown in Figure 5, the main control unit 161 can control the game to either a normal section or a favorable section.

[0232] The normal section is a game section in which no navigation notifications are given. It begins when the next game starts after the game-related data (data indicating the game state, data indicating the game section, BB winning flag, etc.) has been reset due to a setting change, or after the advantageous section has ended. Subsequently, the normal section ends in a game in which the game state other than the special state is controlled, and the advantageous section transition role is won in the internal lottery.

[0233] The advantageous section is a game section in which navigation notifications may be issued, and it is a game section that is more advantageous to the player compared to the normal section because navigation notifications can be issued. The advantageous section begins when, in a game in the normal section that is controlled to a game state other than a special state, the advantageous section transition role is won in an internal lottery, and it is decided that the game will transition to the advantageous section, and the next game starts. After that, the advantageous section ends when the termination conditions (termination conditions 1 and 2 described below) are met.

[0234] During the advantageous period, when predetermined notification conditions are met (in this embodiment, the game is controlled to be in the AT state described later, and the target role for navigation is won in the internal lottery), navigation notification is made possible. When navigation notification is made, the player is notified of the operation methods of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, which are advantageous to the player.

[0235] The main control unit 161 controls the game to be in an advantageous section, and when it is in an AT state where navigation notifications are made, when a navigation target role is won in the internal lottery, it controls the navigation notification (controlling the game auxiliary display unit 12 to display a navigation display, controlling the transmission of a command that can identify the navigation number corresponding to the navigation display, etc.) to notify the player of the operation of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R which are advantageous to the player, and the advantageous section is a game section that is more advantageous to the player compared to the normal section.

[0236] The conditions for ending the advantageous period include termination condition 1, which is met when the net increase in medals during the advantageous period (number of medals given - number of medals used) exceeds a predetermined upper limit (2400 in this embodiment), and termination condition 2, which is met when a predetermined arbitrary condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, the remaining net increase in medals (upper limit - net increase in medals during the advantageous period) at the end of the AT2 state described later is less than or equal to a specific value (200 in this embodiment)). The advantageous period ends when at least one of termination conditions 1 or 2 is met. The net increase in medals during the advantageous period is also counted as a negative value, and if the number of medals decreases, it can take a negative value. In this case, if the number of medals then increases and recovers to 0, and becomes a positive value and exceeds the predetermined number, termination condition 1 will be met. Therefore, it is possible for the number of medals to increase by more than 2400 from the time the net increase in medals during the advantageous period starts to increase while the number of medals is negative until termination condition 1 is met.

[0237] In this embodiment, the game transition to the advantageous section occurs when a predetermined advantageous section transition role is won while the game section is controlled to the normal section. However, it is also possible to have a configuration in which, while the game section is controlled to the normal section, an advantageous section transition lottery is held when an advantageous section transition target role is won in an internal lottery, and the game transition to the advantageous section occurs when the winner of the advantageous section transition lottery is selected.

[0238] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the advantageous period ends when the net increase in medals during the advantageous period (number of medals awarded - number of medals used) exceeds a predetermined number set as the upper limit (2400 in this embodiment). However, the advantageous period may also end when a termination condition is met, which is when the number of games in the advantageous period (number of games in the advantageous period) reaches a predetermined number set as the upper limit (for example, 1500 games), or when any of these multiple conditions are met.

[0239] [Regarding the transitions between game periods and advantageous periods] Next, the transitions in the advantageous section state during the game section and the advantageous section, as controlled by the main control unit 161, will be explained based on Figures 5 and 6.

[0240] The main control unit 161, in a game played within the normal section, will transition the game section to the advantageous section from the next game if the advantageous section transition role is won in an internal lottery. The advantageous section consists of multiple game section states, including the normal state, pre-announcement state, CZ1 state, CZ2 state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and preparation state.

[0241] As shown in Figure 6, the normal state is a state in which no navigation notifications are given, which is relatively disadvantageous to the player, and is the state in which the player spends the most time. The pre-announcement state is a state that is entered after the normal state ends, in which no navigation notifications are given, but it is a state in which the player will always enter the CZ1 state afterward, and in this respect it is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. The CZ1 state is a state in which no navigation notifications are given, but it is a state in which the player may enter the AT1 state afterward, and is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the pre-announcement state. The CZ2 state is a state in which no navigation notifications are given, but it is a state in which the player may enter the AT2 state afterward, and is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the pre-announcement state. Furthermore, the CZ2 state is more advantageous to the player than the CZ1 state because the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than in the CZ1 state, and as will be described later, when the AT lottery is won, the player will enter the AT2 state, which is more advantageous than the AT1 state. In this embodiment, the CZ2 state is more advantageous than the CZ1 state in that the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than the CZ1 state, and when the AT lottery is won, the player transitions to the AT2 state, which is more advantageous than the AT1 state. However, it is sufficient that the CZ2 state is more advantageous than the CZ1 state in at least one of the following ways: the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than the CZ1 state, when the AT lottery is won, the player transitions to the AT2 state, which is more advantageous than the AT1 state, or when the AT lottery is won, the probability of winning to the AT2 state is higher than the CZ1 state. The AT1 state is an AT state in which navigation notifications are made, and is more advantageous for the player than the normal state, the pre-announcement state, the CZ1 state, and the CZ2 state. The AT2 state is an AT state in which navigation notifications are made, and is more advantageous for the player than the normal state, the pre-announcement state, the CZ1 state, and the CZ2 state. Furthermore, the AT2 state is more advantageous for the player than the AT1 state because it offers the potential for a greater increase in medals, the possibility of additional games, and a guaranteed transition to the CZ2 state after its completion. The preparation state is a state in which no navigation notifications are given, and is controlled before the start of the CZ2 state when the advantageous period continues after the end of the AT2 state.

[0242] In these advantageous periods, during the normal state, pre-announcement state, CZ1 state, and CZ2 state, where navigation notifications are not provided, playing with a stopping order that places a reel other than the left reel as the first stop will result in disadvantages related to the transition to the AT state. Specifically, in the normal state and pre-announcement state, the update of the end game count described later will not occur, and in the CZ1 state and CZ2 state, the AT lottery will not be conducted. Furthermore, in the normal state, pre-announcement state, CZ1 state, and CZ2 state, if playing with a stopping order that places a reel other than the left reel as the first stop occurs, the performance control unit 151 will execute a notification of unrecommended operation as a notification corresponding to the operation being performed in an unrecommended manner.

[0243] On the other hand, in AT1 and AT2 states where navigation notifications are given, even if the game is played with a stopping order that places a reel other than the left reel as the first stop, there will be no disadvantage in relation to the transition to the AT state, and no notification of unrecommended operation will be given. Also, in the preparation state, although navigation notifications are not given, even if the game is played with a stopping order that places a reel other than the left reel as the first stop, there will be no disadvantage in relation to the transition to the AT state, and no notification of unrecommended operation will be given.

[0244] The main control unit 161 transitions the game section to the advantageous section when a bonus trigger for transitioning to the advantageous section is won in the normal section. At this time, it determines whether the game state is in the non-internal or internal state, and if it is determined to be in the non-internal state, it performs a mode lottery and a game count lottery and controls the game to the normal state. When in the non-internal state, a bonus trigger that transitions to the internal state will always result in a transition to the advantageous section. Therefore, the game is controlled to the normal section when in the non-internal state only after the game-related data (data indicating the game state, data indicating the game section, bonus trigger flag, etc.) has been initialized by a setting change. For this reason, when transitioning to the advantageous section for the first time after a setting change, the game will be controlled to the normal state first.

[0245] The mode lottery determines the mode of the normal state that will be controlled thereafter. The game count lottery determines one of several ranges of game counts based on the mode determined in the mode lottery, and then determines the final number of games from the determined range.

[0246] The main control unit 161 adds to the number of games played since the system was controlled to the normal state (referred to as the normal game count) for each game played in the normal state. The normal game count may be configured to add a predetermined value (for example, 1) for each game played, or it may be configured to determine the number of games to add based on the result of an internal lottery, and then add the determined number of games. Alternatively, the number of games to add may be increased during a specific period.

[0247] The main control unit 161 determines whether the number of normal games after addition has reached the number of ending games determined by the game number lottery. If the number of ending games has been reached, it terminates the normal state and controls the system to a pre-announcement state for a predetermined period (16 to 32 games in this embodiment). When the pre-announcement state ends, it controls the system to the CZ1 state.

[0248] In this embodiment, the system is configured to control the pre-announcement state and the subsequent CZ1 state based on the normal state ending when the number of normal games reaches the number of ending games selected according to the mode of the normal state. However, the system may also be configured to control the pre-announcement state and the subsequent CZ1 state based not only on the number of normal games reaching the number of ending games, but also on the normal state ending when the ending lottery, which is held every game or when a specific role is won or awarded, is won. Alternatively, the system may be configured to control the pre-announcement state and the subsequent CZ1 state based solely on the normal state ending when the ending lottery, which is held every game or when a specific role is won or awarded, is won.

[0249] The CZ1 state is controlled for a period of 20 games, during which time the main control unit 161 performs an AT lottery to determine whether or not to control the game to the AT state each time an AT lottery target role is won. As shown in Figure 7, the winning probability of the AT lottery is set for each lottery trigger and FC assigned to the AT lottery target role, and whether or not the game is controlled to the AT state is determined by the winning probability corresponding to the lottery trigger and the FC of the won AT lottery target role.

[0250] The main control unit 161 terminates the CZ1 state after 20 games have elapsed since the start of the CZ1 state. If the AT lottery is won before the CZ1 state ends, the system controls the system to the AT1 state from the next game. On the other hand, if the AT lottery is not won before the CZ1 state ends, the system performs the mode lottery and game count lottery described above to determine the mode and end game count for the subsequent normal state, and controls the system to the normal state from the next game.

[0251] AT1 mode consists of 15 point-boosting games and up to 3 condition-determining games. In either game, if a target role for navigation notification is won, navigation notification will be given, so an increase in medals can be expected.

[0252] The main control unit 161, upon the start of the AT1 state, first controls the system to a point-up game, and after 15 games have elapsed, controls the system to a condition-determining game of up to 3 games.

[0253] In this embodiment, the number of point-up games is set to 15. However, the system may also be configured such that a termination lottery is held when a predetermined trigger occurs in the point-up game (such as winning a specific role) or after each game, and the point-up game ends when the termination lottery is won, and the system controls to a condition judgment game. Alternatively, the number of point-up games may be determined by lottery from a number of games, so that the number of point-up games can vary.

[0254] The main control unit 161 performs a condition determination lottery for each game in the condition determination game. If the condition determination lottery is won for three consecutive games, the condition is met, the AT1 state ends, and the system is controlled to the AT2 state from the next game. On the other hand, if the condition determination lottery is not won even once, the AT1 state ends for that game as the condition is not met. Then, the mode lottery and game count lottery described above are performed to determine the mode and end game count for the subsequent normal state, and the system is controlled to the normal state from the next game.

[0255] In the conditional judgment lottery, the winning probability used is calculated by adding the winning probability based on the number of points accumulated since the start of the advantageous period to the initial winning probability. Points are awarded by winning point lotteries conducted in the normal state, pre-announcement state, and AT1 state, and are accumulated until the transition to the AT2 state.

[0256] In this embodiment, the system is controlled to the AT2 state when a condition is met in a condition determination game in the AT1 state. However, it is also possible to have a system where an AT lottery is held in the AT1 state, and the system is controlled to the AT2 state when the AT lottery is won.

[0257] The main control unit 161 sets the initial value of the remaining games to 30 when the AT2 state starts. Then, it subtracts the remaining games with each game played, and terminates the AT2 state when the remaining games reach 0.

[0258] Furthermore, in AT2 state, when a winning combination for additional games (a lottery combination corresponding to FC4-6) is won, the main control unit 161 conducts an additional game lottery to determine whether or not to add games to the remaining game count and the number of games to add. If the additional game lottery is won, the winning number of games is added to the remaining game count. Also, even if a winning combination for additional games is won in AT2 state, if the remaining net increase in coins (maximum number of coins - net increase in coins during the advantageous section) is less than or equal to a specific number (200 in this embodiment), the additional game lottery is not conducted, and the addition of games to the remaining game count is limited. The specific number is a value greater than the number of coins that are expected to increase by the addition of games when the winning combination for additional games (a lottery combination corresponding to FC6) that is expected to add the most games is won. Therefore, it becomes less likely that the number of games added will exceed the maximum number of coins that are added during the advantageous section.

[0259] In this embodiment, when a winning combination for additional payouts is achieved in AT2 state, if the remaining net increase in payouts (maximum payout - net increase in payouts during the advantageous period) is less than or equal to a specific number (200 in this embodiment), the additional payout lottery is not performed. However, for example, the system may be configured to control the system to an additional payout state in which the number of winning combinations for additional payouts increases, or the probability of winning the additional payout lottery increases. In such a configuration, when the remaining net increase in payouts is less than or equal to a specific number in AT2 state, the system may restrict the control of the additional payout state while still performing the additional payout lottery when a winning combination for additional payouts is achieved. Furthermore, in a configuration that can be controlled to control multiple types of additional payout states with different expected number of games for additional payouts, when the remaining net increase in payouts is less than or equal to a specific number in AT2 state, the system may restrict only certain types of additional payout states in which the expected number of games for additional payouts is relatively large.

[0260] Furthermore, the main control unit 161 conducts a stock lottery in the AT2 state to determine whether or not to grant the right to control the AT2 state again when a stock lottery target role (a lottery role corresponding to FC5 to 7) is won, and if the stock lottery is won, the right to win the AT is stocked. When the right to win the AT is stocked, the performance control unit 151 notifies that fact and also notifies the number of remaining AT winning rights in a identifiable manner. In addition, even if a stock lottery target role is won in the AT2 state, if the remaining net increase in coins (maximum number of coins - net increase in coins during the advantageous section) is less than or equal to a specific number (200 in this embodiment), the stock lottery is not conducted, and control of the AT2 state again is restricted.

[0261] The main control unit 161 terminates the AT2 state when the number of remaining games becomes 0. At this time, if there are stocked AT winning rights, the stocked AT winning rights are deducted by 1, and the system is controlled to return to the AT2 state from the next game. If there are no stocked AT winning rights, the system determines whether the remaining net increase in coins (maximum number of coins - net increase in coins during the advantageous section) is less than or equal to a specific number (200 in this embodiment). If the remaining net increase in coins is less than or equal to the specific number, the system terminates the advantageous section and transitions the game section to the normal section. At this time, all data related to AT (net increase in coins during the advantageous section, number of points accumulated since the start of the advantageous section, etc.) is initialized. Furthermore, if there are no stocked AT winning rights, and the remaining net increase in coins is not less than or equal to the specific number (if it exceeds the specific number), the system is controlled to the preparation state from the next game while continuing the advantageous section.

[0262] In this way, at the end of the AT2 state, it is determined whether the remaining net increase in coins (maximum number of coins - net increase in coins during the advantageous section) is less than or equal to a specific number (200 in this embodiment). If the remaining net increase in coins is less than or equal to the specific number, the advantageous section is terminated and the game section is returned to the normal section. This prevents the AT2 state from ending abruptly due to the net increase in coins during the advantageous section exceeding the maximum number of coins, and also prevents the addition of remaining game counts through bonus draws and the granting of AT2 state rights through stock draws from being restricted in order to avoid reaching the maximum number of coins.

[0263] Furthermore, if the remaining net increase in tokens (maximum tokens - net increase in tokens during the advantageous period) is less than or equal to a specific number (200 in this embodiment), a bonus draw may be won, resulting in a large number of games being added at once, which may lead to an increase in tokens exceeding the specific number. Also, even if an increase in tokens exceeding the specific number is not expected due to the addition of games, the AT2 state may be controlled again when the remaining net increase in tokens is less than or equal to the specific number, due to previously stocked AT winning rights. In such cases, even before the remaining number of games reaches 0 in the AT2 state, the net increase in tokens during the advantageous period may exceed the maximum number, thus fulfilling the advantageous period termination condition 1.

[0264] Therefore, if, as a result of the bonus draw, the remaining number of games is added and the sum of the current net increase in coins during the advantageous section and the net increase in coins expected to increase based on the current remaining number of games and the stocked AT rights exceeds the upper limit, the main control unit 161 controls the system to the ED state. Regardless of the remaining number of games, the AT2 state continues until the net increase in coins during the advantageous section exceeds the upper limit and the termination condition 1 of the advantageous section is met. When termination condition 1 is met, the AT2 state ends along with the advantageous section. In such cases, the main control unit 161 also ends the AT2 state and the advantageous section, and transitions the game section to the normal section. It also initializes all data related to AT (net increase in coins during the advantageous section, number of points accumulated since the start of the advantageous section, etc.). Furthermore, when the system controls the system to the ED state, the performance control unit 151 executes an ED performance (Figure 20(a)) that is different in form from the AT2 performance (Figure 18(a)) described later. In the ED (ending) sequence, the remaining number of games and the number of AT win rights stocked, which are displayed in the AT2 sequence, are not shown. Instead, the number of medals remaining until termination condition 1 is met is announced.

[0265] The main control unit 161, upon winning a role that transitions to the advantageous section during the preparation state, performs an AT lottery, ends the preparation state, and controls the game to the CZ2 state from the next game. Since the preparation state ends when a role that transitions to the advantageous section is won, it is controlled for a period of at least one game.

[0266] The CZ2 state is controlled for a period of 5 games, and the main control unit 161 conducts an AT lottery in the first game of the CZ2 state. After 5 games have elapsed since the start of the CZ2 state and the CZ2 state ends, if the AT lottery conducted at the start of the preparation state or in the first game of the CZ2 state has been won, the main control unit 161 ends the CZ2 state and controls the system to the AT2 state from the next game. On the other hand, if the AT lottery conducted at the start of the preparation state or in the first game of the CZ2 state has not been won, the main control unit 161 ends the CZ2 state, conducts the aforementioned mode lottery and game count lottery to determine the mode and end game count of the subsequent normal state, and controls the system to the normal state from the next game.

[0267] Furthermore, if the AT lottery conducted at the start of the preparation state or the AT lottery conducted in the first game of the CZ2 state is not won, the system may be configured to control the system to the AT1 state instead of the normal state.

[0268] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the conditions are not met in the condition determination game in the AT1 state after the AT1 state ends, the system is controlled to the normal state. However, if the conditions are not met in the condition determination game in the AT1 state after the AT1 state ends, the system may be controlled not only to the normal state but also to the CZ2 state. That is, even if the conditions are not met in the condition determination game in the AT1 state, the system may be controlled to the AT2 state by winning the AT in the subsequent CZ2 state. For example, if the system is not controlled to the AT2 state at the end of the AT1 state, a CZ2 lottery may be held to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ2 state, and if successful, the system may be controlled to the CZ2 state. Alternatively, the system may be controlled to the CZ2 state if certain conditions (successfully completing a specified number of missions, acquiring a specified number of medals, etc.) are met in the point-up game in the AT1 state, or a CZ2 lottery may be held if certain conditions are met in the point-up game in the AT1 state, and the system may be controlled to the CZ2 state if successful in the CZ2 lottery.

[0269] Furthermore, when the main control unit 161 determines that the game state is internal when a winning combination for transitioning to the advantageous section is achieved during the normal section, it performs an AT lottery, controls the game to the CZ2 state from the next game, and performs an AT lottery in the first game of the CZ2 state.

[0270] As mentioned above, when a BB is won during a non-internal state, the game will always transition to the advantageous state. Therefore, the game will only be controlled to the normal state during an internal state after the advantageous state has ended, not after the game-related data (data indicating the game state, data indicating the game state, BB winning flag, etc.) has been initialized due to a setting change. Furthermore, the conditions for ending the advantageous state are rarely met in any advantageous state other than the AT2 state, so in practice, it is the state when the AT2 state has ended and the game has transitioned to the normal state. For this reason, when transitioning back to the advantageous state from the normal state after the advantageous state has ended due to the end of the AT2 state, the game will first be controlled to the CZ2 state. Then, at the end of the CZ2 state, if the game has won either the AT lottery conducted when transitioning to the advantageous state or the AT lottery conducted in the first game of the CZ2 state, the game will be controlled to the AT2 state. If the game has not won either the AT lottery conducted when transitioning to the advantageous state or the AT lottery conducted in the first game of the CZ2 state, the game will be controlled to the normal state.

[0271] [About AT lottery] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, AT lottery is conducted using the following triggers: when an AT lottery target role is won in the CZ1 state, which is controlled through the normal state and the pre-announcement state (CZ1 state); when an advantageous section transition role is won, which triggers the transition from the normal section to the advantageous section after the advantageous section has ended along with the end of the AT2 state (at the time of advantageous section transition (internal)); when an advantageous section transition role is won, which triggers the transition from the preparation state to the CZ2 state while the advantageous section continues after the end of the AT2 state (at the time of preparation state end (advantageous section transition role win)); and the first game in the CZ2 state (CZ2 state).

[0272] As shown in Figure 7, in the AT lottery in CZ1 state, the target AT state is AT1 state, and the probability of winning is set as follows: when the AT lottery target role belongs to FC1 (when a single small role is won), the probability of winning is 2.5%, when the AT lottery target role belongs to FC2 (when a normal replay is won), the probability of winning is 5%, when the AT lottery target role belongs to FC3 (when a rare small role D is won), the probability of winning is 6.25%, when the AT lottery target role belongs to FC4 (when a rare small role C is won), the probability of winning is 12.5%, when the AT lottery target role belongs to FC5 (when a rare small role B is won), the probability of winning is 25%, when the AT lottery target role belongs to FC6 (when a rare replay is won), the probability of winning is 50%, and when the AT lottery target role belongs to FC7 (when a rare small role A is won).

[0273] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in the AT lottery when transitioning to the advantageous section (internal), the target AT state is the AT2 state, and the probability of winning is set to 60% when the advantageous section transition role belongs to FC0 or FC1 (when a push-order role or a single-coin role is won), and to 100% when the advantageous section transition role belongs to FC3 to FC7 (when a rare replay, rare small role A, rare small role B, rare small role C, or rare small role D is won).

[0274] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in the AT lottery at the end of the preparation state (winning a role that transitions to the advantageous section), the target AT state is the AT2 state, and the probability of winning is set to 60% when the role that transitions to the advantageous section belongs to FC0 or FC1 (when a push-order role or a single-coin role is won), and to 100% when the role that transitions to the advantageous section belongs to FC3 to FC7 (when a rare replay, rare small role A, rare small role B, rare small role C, or rare small role D is won).

[0275] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in the AT lottery in the first game of the CZ2 state after the end of the AT2 state, the target AT state is the AT2 state. In this case, the probability of winning differs depending on whether the number of times the AT2 state has been controlled after the AT1 state is 1 to 3 times, 4 or more times, or whether the AT2 state was controlled without going through AT1 as a result of going through the normal section. If the number of times the AT2 state has been controlled after the AT1 state is 1 to 3 times, the probability of winning is set to 50% when the result of the internal lottery in that game belongs to FC0 to FC2 (when a push order role, 1-coin role, or normal replay is won), 80% when the result of the internal lottery in that game belongs to FC3 to FC4 (when a rare role C or rare role D is won), and 100% when the result of the internal lottery in that game belongs to FC5 to FC7 (when a rare replay, rare role A or rare role B is won). If the number is 4 or more, the probability of winning is set to 70% when the result of the internal lottery in that game belongs to FC0~FC2 (when a push-order role, single-coin role, or normal replay is won), and to 100% when the result of the internal lottery in that game belongs to FC3~FC7 (when a rare replay, rare role A, rare role B, rare role C, or rare role D is won). If the game is controlled to be in AT2 state without going through AT1 as a result of going through the normal section, the probability of winning is set to 70% when the result of the internal lottery in that game belongs to FC0~FC2 (when a push-order role, single-coin role, or normal replay is won), and to 100% when the result of the internal lottery in that game belongs to FC3~FC7 (when a rare replay, rare role A, rare role B, rare role C, or rare role D is won).

[0276] In this embodiment, AT lottery is conducted in both the CZ2 state, which is controlled at the start of the advantageous period transitioned from the normal period after the advantageous period ends with the end of the AT2 state, and the CZ1 state, which is controlled after the end of the CZ2 state via the normal state and the pre-announcement state. If the AT lottery is won in the CZ1 state, the system is controlled to the AT1 state, whereas if the AT lottery is won in the CZ2 state, the system is controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state. Thus, after the advantageous period begins and the CZ2 state ends, the system may be controlled to the AT2 state, which is expected to yield more medals than the AT1 state, after the AT1 state. Furthermore, if the advantageous period ends at the end of the AT2 state, when the advantageous period starts afterward, the system can be expected to be controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state, without going through the AT1 state.

[0277] Furthermore, the probability of winning the AT lottery is set higher in CZ2 state than in CZ1 state, and if the advantageous period ends when the AT2 state ends, it can be expected that when the advantageous period starts afterward, it will be controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state, without going through the AT1 state.

[0278] In this embodiment, the system is configured to control the player to the CZ2 state at the start of the advantageous period that follows the end of the advantageous period after the AT2 state ends, and not to control the player to the CZ2 state at the start of the first advantageous period after a setting change. However, it is also possible to configure the system to control the player to the CZ2 state at the start of the first advantageous period after a setting change.

[0279] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an AT lottery is held each time an AT lottery target role is won in the CZ1 state. However, it is also possible to have an AT lottery held every game in the CZ1 state, or to have an AT lottery held only in a specific game (for example, the first game) in the CZ1 state.

[0280] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT lottery is performed only in the first game in the CZ2 state, but it is also possible to perform the AT lottery in specific games other than the first game in the CZ2 state, or to perform the AT lottery in every game in the CZ2 state, or to perform the AT lottery each time an AT target role is won in the CZ2 state.

[0281] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT lottery in the CZ1 state targets the AT1 state, and the AT lottery in the CZ2 state at the start of the advantageous section targets the AT2 state. However, it is also possible to configure the AT lottery in the CZ1 state to target both the AT1 and AT2 states, or to configure the AT lottery in the CZ2 state at the start of the advantageous section to target both the AT1 and AT2 states, or to configure the AT lottery in either the CZ1 state or the CZ2 state at the start of the advantageous section to target both the AT lottery and the AT lottery in the CZ2 state at the start of the advantageous section. Even with this configuration, for example, as shown in Figure 21, in the AT lottery in the CZ1 state, the probability of winning the AT1 state is high among the AT1 state and the AT2 state, and in the AT lottery in the CZ2 state at the start of the advantageous section, the probability of winning the AT2 state is high among the AT1 state and the AT2 state, by setting the winning probabilities in this way, if the advantageous section ends when the AT2 state ends, it can be expected that when the advantageous section starts afterward, the player will be controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state, without going through the AT1 state.

[0282] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after transitioning to the advantageous section and after the CZ2 state ends, no AT lottery is performed in the normal state and pre-stage state until the system is controlled to the CZ1 state. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that AT lotteries are performed in the normal state and pre-stage state until the system is controlled to the CZ1 state. Even in such a configuration, the AT lottery in the normal state and pre-stage state is configured so that only the AT1 state is won, or the probability of winning the AT1 state is set to be higher than that of the AT1 state and AT2 state. Similarly, the AT lottery in the CZ2 state at the start of the advantageous section is configured so that only the AT2 state is won, or the probability of winning the AT2 state is set to be higher than that of the AT1 state and AT2 state. This allows the system to anticipate that if the advantageous section ends when the AT2 state ends, when the advantageous section starts again, the system will be controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state, without going through the AT1 state.

[0283] In this embodiment, when the advantageous period transition role is won, which triggers the transition from the normal period to the advantageous period after the end of the AT2 state, an AT lottery is held in either the normal state or the pre-announcement state that is controlled after the end of the CZ2 state. If the AT lottery is won in the CZ1 state, the player is controlled to the AT1 state, whereas if the AT lottery is won when transitioning to the advantageous period, the player is controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state. After the advantageous period starts and the CZ2 state ends, the player may be controlled to the AT2 state after the AT1 state, where more medals can be expected to be acquired than in the AT1 state. If the advantageous period ends when the AT2 state ends, the player can expect to be controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state, when the advantageous period starts afterward, without going through the AT1 state.

[0284] Furthermore, the probability of winning the AT lottery is set higher when transitioning to the advantageous section than when in the CZ1 state. If the advantageous section ends when the AT2 state ends, it can be expected that when the advantageous section starts again, it will be controlled to the AT2 state, which is relatively more advantageous than the AT1 state, without going through the AT1 state.

[0285] In this embodiment, an AT lottery is conducted when the advantageous section transition role, which triggers the transition from the normal section to the advantageous section after the end of the AT2 state and the end of the advantageous section, is won. However, after a setting change, an AT lottery is not conducted when the advantageous section transition role, which triggers the transition to the advantageous section for the first time, is won. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that an AT lottery is conducted when the advantageous section transition role, which triggers the transition to the advantageous section for the first time, is won after a setting change.

[0286] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT lottery in the CZ1 state targets the AT1 state, and the AT lottery at the transition to the advantageous section targets the AT2 state. However, it is also possible to configure the AT lottery in the CZ1 state to target both the AT1 and AT2 states, or to configure the AT lottery at the transition to the advantageous section to target both the AT1 and AT2 states, or to configure the AT lottery in both the CZ1 state and the transition to the advantageous section to target both the AT1 and AT2 states. Even with such configurations, for example, as shown in Figure 21, by setting the winning probabilities so that the proportion of winning the AT1 state is high in the AT lottery in the CZ1 state, and the proportion of winning the AT2 state is high in the AT lottery at the transition to the advantageous section, if the advantageous section ends when the AT2 state ends, it is possible to expect that when the advantageous sec...

Claims

[Claim 1] It is equipped with a variable display unit that can display multiple types of identification information, each of which can be identified, In a slot machine in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A means for deriving the display result, which the player operates to derive the result, An operation mode information notification means capable of providing notification regarding the operation mode of the derivation operation means, Equipped with, The aforementioned operation mode information notification means is capable of providing a non-recommendation notification when a specific condition is met in a specific state, which notifies that at least the second operation mode out of the first and second operation modes is an operation mode that is not recommended. In the aforementioned specific state, the non-recommendation notification is made, and the derivation operation means is controlled to a favorable state when operated in the first operation mode. If the aforementioned specific state is affected by the notification of non-recommendation, and the derivation operation means is operated in the second operation mode, the control continues to the aforementioned specific state. The specified state includes a first specified state from the start of the specified state until the first discouragement notification is given, and a second specified state from the time the discouragement notification is given and the operation is performed in the second operation mode until the discouragement notification is given again. A slot machine in which the expected value of the gameplay used until the discouragement notification is issued again in the second specific state is less than the amount of gameplay value granted by the occurrence of a specific award prize that grants the most gameplay value among the possible prizes that can occur in the second specific state.

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